George Ayres featured at the EisnerAmper podcast
In the rapidly changing landscape of the automotive industry, staying ahead of the curve has never been more critical. George Ayres, the founder and Managing Director of AutoMobility Advisors, was recently featured on the EisnerAmper podcast with Aimann Rasheed, and discussed the topic of “Digital Transformation in Automotive.” The podcast provided a glimpse into the future of the automotive industry, which is currently undergoing a profound transformation, largely driven by advancements in digital technology. Topics ranged from connected vehicles and autonomous driving to smart manufacturing and data analytics. George shared his vision of what lies ahead for the industry, emphasizing the pivotal role of digital transformation. One of the central themes of the conversation was the importance of embracing technology within the automotive world. George, through his experience at AutoMobility Advisors, underscored how digital transformation can enhance various aspects of the industry, from improving customer experiences to optimizing supply chain management. By harnessing the power of data and automation, automotive companies can streamline operations, reduce costs, and ultimately deliver a superior product to their consumers. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that no transformation comes without its set of challenges, and the automotive industry’s digital journey is no exception. George Ayres and Aimann Rasheed delved into the hurdles that companies may encounter during this transformative process. These challenges encompass concerns related to data security, adapting to new business models, and managing the complexities of integrating digital technologies into traditional automotive processes. Despite these challenges, the conversation also highlighted the tremendous opportunities that await those who can navigate them successfully. In a world where customer expectations are constantly evolving, George Ayres emphasized the importance of adopting a customer-centric approach. He pointed out that by leveraging digital tools, automotive companies can better understand their customers’ needs and preferences. This deep understanding allows them to create tailored experiences and products that resonate with their target audience, thereby fostering customer loyalty and satisfaction. To hear George Ayres and Aimann Rasheed’s engaging conversation, you can listen to the full podcast episode here. Stay tuned for more exciting discussions and insights from industry experts on the EisnerAmper podcast. Don’t forget to follow the conversation using the hashtags #EisnerAmperPodcast and #AutoMobilityAdvisors on social media.
Dan Teeter moderates a panel discussion on “Expectations of Vehicle Connectivity in a Rapidly Evolving World” at Auto Tech: Detroit
On Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 I attended a great panel discussion at Auto Tech: Detroit on “Expectations of Vehicle Connectivity in a Rapidly Evolving World”. Industry experts Dan Teeter, Advisory Director of AutoMobility Advisors; Greg Geiselhart, VP of Sales and Marketing of WirelessCar and Denise Barfuss, Senior Manager, Marketing & Operations, Connected Vehicles, Nissan Motor Corporation shared their insights. Stephen Bell, Chief Analyst of Connectivity at Wards Intelligence, skillfully moderated the discussion. The panel explored challenges, opportunities, and the impact of vehicle connectivity on the automotive industry. Topics discussed included advanced connectivity features, AI and machine learning, privacy, and security considerations, and the potential of connected vehicles. Well attended and overall a great discussion. All gained valuable insights into the future of vehicle connectivity.
George Ayres moderates a panel discussion on ATSC 3.0 Data Delivery to Automobiles at NAB, Las Vegas
George Ayres moderates a panel discussion on ATSC 3.0 Data Delivery to Automobiles at NAB, Las Vegas
NYC Auto Show 2023
AMA Featured Event NYC AUTO SHOW 2023 The New York International Auto Show 2023 The New York International Auto Show 2023 was an exciting event for car enthusiasts from all over the world. We had the opportunity to attend the show, and it was a great experience. We were able to witness the unveiling of some of the most anticipated electric vehicles in the market, including the 2024 EV Jeep Wrangler and the 2024 EV Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. The unveiling of the 2024 EV Jeep Wrangler, was one of the most anticipated cars at the show. The new electric Jeep Wrangler is an impressive vehicle that combines the classic look of the Wrangler with a powerful electric drivetrain. The new Wrangler is also equipped with advanced features like regenerative braking and a range of over 300 miles on a single charge. We were all impressed with the Jeep’s new design and capabilities, and we couldn’t wait to test drive it in the future. Another electric car that caught our attention was the 2024 EV Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. The new Subaru Crosstrek is designed for off-road adventures, and it is the perfect car for those who love to explore the great outdoors. The Crosstrek Wilderness is equipped with a powerful electric drivetrain that provides a range of over 300 miles, making it perfect for long road trips. The car is also equipped with a number of advanced features, including a terrain management system, hill descent control, and more. Another car at the show was the Disney-branded Hyundai Ioniq 5. This electric car is a collaboration between Hyundai and Disney, and it features a unique design that is inspired by the famous Mickey Mouse character. The Ioniq 5 is also equipped with advanced features like wireless charging and a range of over 300 miles on a single charge. The car is perfect for families who want to enjoy a fun and eco-friendly ride. Not to be missed, Nintendo, the famous video game company, teamed up with Toyota to create a vehicle that is designed specifically for gaming on the go. The car itself is based on an existing model but has been modified extensively to include a built-in Nintendo Switch console and a variety of other features that make it the ultimate gaming vehicle. So fun! Overall, the New York International Auto Show 2023 was an amazing experience. We had the opportunity to see some of the most innovative and exciting electric cars on the market, and we were impressed with the advanced technology and design features of each vehicle. We look forward to seeing these cars on the road in the near future, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for the electric vehicle industry. NADA 2024 CES 2024 AutoTech Electrification 2023 MOVE America 2023 Auto Tech: DETROIT 2023 NYC Auto Show 2023 Ducati 2023 NAB Show 2023 CES 2023 Next >Close NADA 2024 CES 2024 AutoTech Electrification 2023 MOVE America 2023 Auto Tech: DETROIT 2023 NYC Auto Show 2023 Ducati 2023 NAB Show 2023 CES 2023 Let us help you succeed in AutoMobility! Edit Template Contact Us Today Name Email Message Send Edit Template Get to Know Us About Our Team Consulting Services Events AMA News Get the AutoMobility Roadmap Newsletter White Papers & Reports AMA Thought Leadership Let’s Connect Contact Us Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on YouTube Copyright @2024 AutoMobilityAdvisors, All Rights Reserved. Edit Template
AutoMobility Advisor visits 2hire in Rome!
AutoMobility Advisor’s Dan Teeter, Hayden Teeter and family recently had the opportunity to visit one of our clients, 2hire, at their headquarters in Rome, Italy. As a leading technology company in intelligent and connected mobility solutions, 2hire is dedicated to creating a connected world by connecting vehicles, bridging them with services and people. This mission aligns perfectly with AutoMobility Advisor’s focus on providing innovative solutions to their clients in the automotive industry. Dan and Hayden’s visit provided a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of 2hire’s operations, as well as to build stronger relationships with the company’s leadership team. One of the highlights of Dan’s visit, was the great insight into the innovative technology solutions 2hire is developing, the company’s commitment to sustainability, and the ways in which they are building a strong company culture. AutoMobility Advisor is working with 2hire to help them achieve their goals and make a positive impact on the world. Overall, Dan and Hayden Teeter’s visit to 2hire’s headquarters provided a fascinating glimpse into the world of intelligent and connected mobility solutions. Here at AutoMobility Advisors are proud to be part of the innovative work being done by 2hire, and hope to inspire others in the industry to embrace new technologies and work towards a more connected, sustainable future.
AMA goes to Ducati in Nashville
AMA Featured Event Ducati’s Ready 4 Red tour We recently had the opportunity to attend the unveiling of Ducati’s Ready 4 Red tour. George Ayres, a motorcycle enthusiast, and I, were thrilled to be a part of such an exciting event and learn more about Ducati’s latest offerings. The event was held in Nashville, Tennessee and it was a perfect setting for the unveiling of Ducati’s latest models. The highlight of the event was meeting Jason Chinnock, CEO of Ducati North America. He was very personable and took the time to talk to everyone, sharing his passion for motorcycles and the Ducati brand. It was fascinating to hear about the history of the company and the dedication of the people who work there. Another highlight of the event was meeting fellow AMA directors Chip Goetzinger and Dan Teeter. We had a great time getting to know each other and sharing our love of motorcycles. It was great to meet like-minded people who are as passionate about riding as we are. The Ready 4 Red tour showcased Ducati’s latest models, and it was amazing to see the range of bikes they offer. From sportbikes to adventure bikes, there was something for every rider. The attention to detail and craftsmanship of each bike was impressive, and it was clear that every model was designed with the rider in mind. Overall, the unveiling of Ducati’s Ready 4 Red tour was an unforgettable experience. It was an honor to meet Jason Chinnock and the other AMA directors, and I learned so much about the Ducati brand and the people who make it great. If you’re a fan of motorcycles, I highly recommend attending a Ducati event and experiencing the passion and excitement for yourself. NADA 2024 CES 2024 AutoTech Electrification 2023 MOVE America 2023 Auto Tech: DETROIT 2023 NYC Auto Show 2023 Ducati 2023 NAB Show 2023 CES 2023 Next >Close NADA 2024 CES 2024 AutoTech Electrification 2023 MOVE America 2023 Auto Tech: DETROIT 2023 NYC Auto Show 2023 Ducati 2023 NAB Show 2023 CES 2023 Let us help you succeed in AutoMobility! Edit Template Edit Template Contact Us Today Name Email Message Send Edit Template Get to Know Us About Our Team Consulting Services Events AMA News Get the AutoMobility Roadmap Newsletter White Papers & Reports AMA Thought Leadership Let’s Connect Contact Us Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on YouTube Copyright @2024 AutoMobilityAdvisors, All Rights Reserved. Edit Template
The High Cost of EV Adoption Today
George Ayres Automotive | Leader | Sales | Marketing | Mobility | Connected | Electric | Autonomous | Shared | Revenue | Growth 18 articles The transformation of the auto industry from internal combustion engines to battery power is accelerating, no doubt about it. And the infrastructure, charging networks, and government support for this change are increasing. Consumer themselves are listening, learning, and becoming more interested in moving towards EV’s too. The article below describes a recent Consumer Reports survey that said 14% of people would definitely purchase an EV, but twice this number (28%) definitely “would not” consider an EV. What about the 58% in the middle? What will it take to move them? I think the main issue at the moment is not range, charging infrastructure, or fear of new tech. It’s simply cost. EV’s are expensive right now. Too expensive! And it seems things will be this way for at least 3 years. Let’s look at why. https://www.linkedin.com/embeds/publishingEmbed.html?articleId=8431522422095463804&li_theme=dark It’s clear that soon we will have many varieties of electric vehicles available, and some will be more affordable. All OEM’s are moving quickly. Just take a look at the center-spread of this week’s Automotive News (shown below) and you can see that every Automaker is moving faster to transform their product line-up to more EV’s. And States like California are moving to full EV only. But much of this terrific new product development is not helping buyers yet, as the models currently available for sale are all just too expensive. For example, the EV market leader, Tesla, has not expanded its model range for awhile, and even the Model 3 starts at $45k. Ford has the F-150 Lightning and Mach E, but they both cost $40k or more, and very hard to get. And yes, the Cadillac Lyriq sold out in a few hours, but it is in very limited production and costs over $60,000 which is much more expensive than the majority of the buyers in the new car market can afford. And because GM is no longer eligible, there is not even an EV tax credit for this vehicle. But GM did recently reduce the price of the Chevy Bolt. So GM is clearly thinking about EV affordability. https://www.linkedin.com/embeds/publishingEmbed.html?articleId=8673126474556867075&li_theme=dark But all of the new EV vehicles are not here yet. And people need to buy something, or upgrade their current vehicle, and can’t wait. Supply is constrained due to the ongoing semi-conductor chip shortage. And component material prices for batteries are increasing, especially for lithium and cobalt, due to the overall growing EV demand. See the article below from Alix Partners, a research firm, outlining the current situation. One key point they mention is this comparison. “At $3,662 per vehicle (in the US), ICE raw-material content is nearly double pre-pandemic levels. This pales in comparison to BEV raw-material content, which is now $8,255 per vehicle. The disparity is driven largely by cobalt, nickel, and lithium prices.” https://www.linkedin.com/embeds/publishingEmbed.html?articleId=7764712561928756266&li_theme=dark While new advances in battery technology like “solid-state” batteries promise better range and greater materials supply, these batteries currently cost four times more than standard lithium-ion batteries, exaggerating the current problem. Toyota is well placed to lead in this area, but it will be awhile before we see the majority of vehicles with solid-state batteries. https://www.linkedin.com/embeds/publishingEmbed.html?articleId=9124043172319042537&li_theme=dark Add in rising global inflation, which means you can buy less for the same money, and a war in Ukraine which keeps energy markets volatile, and no wonder consumers are hesitating. While they are paying $5 for gasoline, and sure don’t like it, coming up with the cash for a new EV is getting harder and harder. For example, the average new car payment is now over $700 per month. Since the cost of borrowing is rising as the Fed raises interest rates to combat inflation, car buyers can either buy less car, or they have to put up more of their income for a car. Since all other prices are also rising, like mortgage payments, groceries, and school supplies, they feel the squeeze. https://www.linkedin.com/embeds/publishingEmbed.html?articleId=7812184282103910342&li_theme=dark And the average car loan length is now six years, which means that consumers that buy ICE vehicles today will be “upside down” a few more years longer, meaning they will owe more for the car than the car is worth. A negative equity situation. We have seen this phenomenon in the car market more than once, and it never works out for the either the consumer or the automaker. It delays purchases and keeps people trapped in their old technology. The average car on the road in the US is currently 12.2 years, which is much longer than historically we have seen. The current financing market dynamics are suggesting this may get even longer. The promise of a new EV will be in the distant future for too many. https://www.linkedin.com/embeds/publishingEmbed.html?articleId=8622472421372719983&li_theme=dark So if OEM’s want people to move to EV’s they need to bring affordable EV’s to market. They need to work with the government and their ecosystem to ensure that there is wide penetration of EV infrastructure. And of course the government needs to increase EV incentives and encourage more switching from ICE to EV, and not with just tax cuts. What about helping people pay for installing home chargers? While there is good commitment for this from the current administration, these programs are not yet simple, practical, and easy to access. Why not a “voucher” system for anyone buying an EV from a dealer, or even online, to receive a rebate on the cost of a home charger. Tax credits are hard to access and too far removed from the original cost outlay. Consumers need relief on this cost more quickly. https://www.linkedin.com/embeds/publishingEmbed.html?articleId=6987414249488379809&li_theme=dark Overall consumer will move to electric vehicles, the trend is now inevitable, as product development cycles for automakers are many years long. The ocean liner turns slowly. So we will see lots of EV choices for new car buyers in a few years. And high volume categories like Pick-up trucks will even be very EV
The Auto Digital Experience Fight Club
George Ayres Automotive | Leader | Sales | Marketing | Mobility | Connected | Electric | Autonomous | Shared | Revenue | Growth 18 articles Ok, what happens when you put all the competitors in a room and tell them to start swinging while simultaneously placing bets to pick the winners (and of course the losers) too? You guessed it, a fight club where it’s everyone for themselves. Makes a good movie perhaps, but does it make for a good way to digitally transform the automotive user experience? Are owners, drivers, riders, and fleets better off with tools that only work in one setting, or vehicle, and not in another? Do you need to put on a new pair of digital driving shoes each time you jump in a different car? Well, currently we are witnessing a sort of fight club mindset within car software experience development. It may get a little bloody, so hang on. First, some boundary, or “ringside ropes” terminology to clarify this discussion. In the battle for the Digital Experience within Automobiles there are many terms, but all eventually come down to the same thing: How the car works when you’re either inside it, or controlling it remotely when outside of it. We can include ideas like “Software-Defined Vehicle” and the in-vehicle “Operating System,” in this mix. And proprietary names like Apple CarPlay or Google’s Android Auto are part of it too. And Amazon Alexa, as a way to control the experience with your voice, is included. And now we can add new names like “Ultifi,” General Motor’s new “end-to-end software platform” that is “designed to unlock new vehicle experiences and connect customers’ digital lives” as their announcement recently said. All of these things are coming together very rapidly, and the gloves have now been taken off all the participants. They used to play nice together, but now it’s getting serious. For decades of course, only the carmakers controlled how the car worked; how you turned the radio on, adjusted the climate control, or how the car collected data. Then they started working with other companies like Verizon and WirelessCar to enable “telematics,” a way to transmit vehicle information to an off-board platform and for the vehicle to receive instructions “over-the-air” or OTA. Then smartphones came along and customers started to complain that if they actually complied with the local highway safety rules, and did not use or talk on their handheld phone while driving, then the car effectively became a black hole for them. They were “off the grid” in terms of data and communication when they were driving. Since nearly everyone now relies on text, email, internet, and voice, to do basically anything, the automakers then needed a way to integrate these phones into the car so they could be used on the move without distraction. So Apple was given access to the vehicle and introduced Carplay, and Google was given access and introduced Android Auto. This was a love/hate relationship for most Auto OEM’s because when they give access, they lose control of the experience. Sometimes they forget of course that customers really LIKE their Apple i-phone experience, and enjoying this in their car as well is a good thing for owner loyalty. Once the door was open and the tech companies had access, they started pushing on it harder. Many Auto OEM’s have now signed up to let them too, and we’ll see if they are taking a punch in the process. At right is a recent listing from Google about the OEM’s that use the Android Automotive O/S. And just this week Apple made a big announcement about the new CarPlay and its ability to “more deeply integrate with a car’s hardware.” Ouch! Here is a view of what they mean. Without leaving the Apple interface you will be able to adjust climate controls, for example, so that you’re not jumping between CarPlay and the vehicle controls, keeping you inside the Apple O/S while you drive. It’s kind of like pushing you up against the ropes and holding you there awhile. From a carmaker point of view, ceding control of the customer experience for actually operating the car must be gut-wrenching. But they have already done it for music and “infotainment” so why not for other functions? But where does Apple stop and the Automaker’s own systems begin? How will GM’s Ultifi, for example, work with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay? What is Ultifi giving up? Who is going to win the fight for control of the experience? It’s a melee today. Below as great chart from my friends at MotorMindz that shows a few good examples of how some Auto OEM’s are betting on winning this fight themselves. Of course for over 100 years automakers have controlled how their cars got built, but once sold, they were done. The only things they needed to worry about was paying for repairs under the warranty. Now they want to control, or at least participate in, how their cars get “operated and updated” by the first, second, and even third owners. Over the “lifetime” of your vehicle, they want to continuously upgade how your car works, help you enjoy improvements in operations and performance (and charge you for this) and generally make a car like a smartphone, with easy to install OTA updates. But what happens when Apple decides they don’t want to make that change to how the climate control gets adjusted, either because they are not ready or because they are not getting paid to do it? Does the Automaker have any recourse to force them? Giving up control has a downside if you are an OEM. Of course, the driver or passenger wants the best experience, so delays in making updates, or incompatibility stemming from a fight for control of the experience, may end up disappointing users, who will remember who’s car worked seamlessly, and who’s didn’t. One of the reasons Apple has been successful across phones, computers, tablets, and even tv’s is
IIoT World Smart Cities & Buildings Day
Today AutoMobility Advisor’s Managing director, George Ayres, participated along with fellow panelist Christian Götz, CEO & Co-Founder of HiveMQ, in the IIoT World Smart Cities & Buildings Day Virtual Event. IIoT World’s virtual conference where 15+ subject matter experts are sharing insights with 3 000+ attendees on startups to shape the future of smart cities; safer and cleaner cities with innovative & sustainable mobility solutions; the role of 3D digital twins and IIoT on the road to the decarbonization of buildings; securing the evolving needs of the connected building; cyber risk and insurance in a smarter world; securing smart cities. Today’s panel discussion topic was on Safer and Cleaner Cities with Innovative & Sustainable Mobility Solutions “With CO2 emissions and road fatalities on the rise, the need for sustainable mobility solutions is now more than ever. Currently, the CO2 emissions in the transport sector are about 30% in the case of developed countries and about 23% in the case of the total man-made CO2 emissions worldwide, according to UNECE. There is a widespread agreement to reduce CO2 emissions from transport by a minimum of 50% at the latest by 2050. Also, with 1.3 million annual road deaths, the UN wants to halve the number of fatalities by 2030. The best way forward to address CO2 emissions and road fatalities is to adopt sustainable mobility solutions driven by innovative mobility platforms. Connected vehicles, autonomous driving, AI-driven smart technologies, etc. are shaping the future of transportation one solution at a time. At the heart of all these technologies lie efficient mobility platforms that connect data from the vehicle to the Internet in near real-time. This panel will focus on how innovative technologies will revolutionize low-emission, sustainable mobility – an important part of any smart city project.” You can subscribe to the AutoMobility Roadmap for free and continue to follow the dynamic and changing automotive mobility world. If you’d like to engage directly with the team at AutoMobility Advisors, contact us or contact us via Linked In. View and Subscribe to the Automobility Roadmap on LinkedIn here.