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George Ayres: The Mobility ‘Matchmaker’ featured at Driving Mobility Podcast

“Meet the mobility ‘matchmaker’ who connects established auto companies and scrappy startups to collaborate, innovate“ In a recent episode of the “Driving Mobility” podcast series by ParkMyFleet hosted by Michele Pierog, George Ayres, the Managing Director of AutoMobility Advisors, shares valuable insights into the dynamic mobility industry. The episode, titled “Meet the mobility ‘matchmaker’ who connects established auto companies and scrappy startups to collaborate and innovate,” provides a comprehensive look at the ever-evolving mobility landscape. Throughout the podcast, Ayres, drawing from his extensive three-decade-long career in the mobility sector, explains his crucial role as a bridge between established automotive giants and ambitious startups. He helps both parties navigate product planning, sales management, and business development. A central theme of the conversation is the importance of collaboration in the mobility industry. Ayres emphasizes that success in this field hinges on working together. It involves aligning the innovative drive of startups with the resources and industry knowledge of established players. The mobility industry is constantly changing due to factors such as electrification, sustainability, and evolving consumer preferences. Ayres discusses the vital importance of adaptability and innovation to thrive in this fast-changing environment. Lastly, the podcast explores the concept of “success” in the mobility industry. Beyond just market share and financial metrics, Ayres and Pierog discuss the broader societal impact of success, which involves reshaping transportation for the benefit of society. As the mobility sector undergoes a profound transformation, George Ayres emerges as a guiding figure, ensuring that startups and established companies find common ground to advance the industry. The podcast offers valuable insights into Ayres’ role as the mobility “matchmaker” and the promising future of transportation. Listen to it here: RSS: https://player.rss.com/drivingmobility/1103812 or in Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eYPVi5yM

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.

Broken Record

With summer winding down, one theme dominated headlines around the world for the last two months: record heat. Temperatures from California to Greece reached record highs, with hundreds of millions of people locked in a months-long pattern of extreme temperatures with little relief. In Phoenix alone, residents experienced a mind-boggling and dangerous record of 31 consecutive days with high temperatures over 110 degrees Fahrenheit. In Asia, the Caribbean, and in Europe, countries faced unprecedented stretches of heat with the Italian region of Sardinia hitting nearly 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Coupled with abnormally dry conditions, hugely popular tourist destinations such as Rhodes and Maui faced massive fires killing hundreds of people and causing billions of dollars worth of damage. It is evident that summer is getting hotter and more dangerous. The question is, what can the auto industry do to speed up efforts to change the vehicle mix and help combat climate change? Great progress has been made in the last 15 years in the development and adoption of both EVs and importantly connected car services. EVs have captured a significant minority of global new car sales, increasing from 4% of new car sales in 2020 to 14% in 2022. .Likewise, according to research done by Smartcar, 91% of all vehicles sold in the United States in 2020 were connected to the internet, bringing advanced features to customers and moving the industry closer to the concept of software defined vehicles. These high-tech advancements were intended not only to improve the customer experience, but also to lessen the automotive industry’s impact on climate change. EVs are projected to phase out ICE powered vehicles, eliminating tailpipe emissions, while connected vehicle software will optimize the user experience and efficiency of vehicles. Despite these efforts however, climate change is not slowing down, and a variety of new problems have arisen that significantly impact the benefit afforded by EVs and advanced connected car technologies. These issues range from vehicle wear, to power grid drain, to rare earth material (REM) shortages. An article published last week by The Drive reported that the tires on Rivian’s R1T and R1S models are wearing out in as few as 6,000 miles. Rivians are notably very heavy and have massively powerful electric motors able to propel the three and a half ton vehicles to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. But the incredible power and weight of these EVs have seemingly left the tires fitted to the vehicles outclassed, creating the potential for an enormous increase in rubber waste and ownership expenses. As EVs become larger, heavier, and faster this problem will only increase, fueling the current environmental crisis and apprehension about EV adoption.  In the Sun Belt, the dangerously hot summer conditions caused the need for around the clock air conditioning in spaces across most of the affected states, It was reported by Arizona Public Service that July 14th and 15th each set records for the highest consumer power demand in the state’s history. And Arizona’s power supply runs mostly on natural gas, which while better than coal, still contributes to the pollution of the atmosphere. Higher temperatures caused by climate change require more air conditioning, which in turn creates more pollution. EVs are not responsible for this situation, but their increasing need for power may have long term impacts on states still utilizing fossil fuel power generation methods. So increased demand from consumers to cool their homes and charge their EVs fuels a vicious cycle fueling the climate crisis. All of these issues in conjunction with the exponential growth in chip demand for high-tech vehicles has forced the auto industry to face unexpected and sometimes uncomfortable questions about their collective efforts to combat climate change. The news is not all bad however, as the products and services that are having unintended consequences on the climate may also be able to help solve them. Though costly, measures such as bi-directional charging, where EVs contribute excess power back into a home or the grid could be implemented as a way to shed some of the electrical load caused by extreme weather. A less expensive alternative that is available today is interruptible charging, in which vehicle charging can be remotely controlled and suspended while plugged into home chargers during the hours where electricity demand is at its highest. Another option is smart routing which could bring down the environmental cost of ownership and help offset the climate impact of bringing new technology into vehicles. It is inevitable that EVs will continue to gain market share, and software defined vehicles will become the industry standard. With creative and proactive solutions such as those mentioned above, the automotive industry will be able to more successfully contribute to the struggle against climate change, working to safeguard the world for future generations. All of us in the automotive industry can make a big difference.

Summertime Classics

This past Father’s Day, two parts of the AMA team had the opportunity to celebrate the occasion by enjoying the Cheekwood Concours d’Elegance in Nashville, Tennessee. Dan, our Advisory Director, and his son Hayden, our Head of Market Research, are lifelong car enthusiasts, with Dan having spent extensive time in the industry and Hayden growing up surrounded by car culture. Both of them are passionate about classic cars, and Hayden aims to share this love with other members of the younger generation. Hayden is a rising senior at Harvard studying history as well as a cadet in the Air Force ROTC program, with an interest in all things fast stemming from an early exposure to muscle cars and supercars. Below we describe our favorite vehicles at the show and some of the observations garnered from the outing. Boasting a fun and friendly environment, the Father’s Day show was an absolute blast. With cars spanning nearly one hundred years of automotive history, it was fascinating to see some of the greatest vehicles of different eras in perfect working order. Going chronologically, the oldest and perhaps most interesting cars at the show were the 1927 Rolls Royce Phantom I, a 1930 Lincoln Sport Roadster, and the selection of Packards from the 30s. Evoking feelings of splendor and glamour, the Gatsby-esque Rolls Royce was more akin in size to a Ram 2500 than a Rolls Royce Phantom of today. Fun to imagine what life might have been like for the lucky aristocrat or baron who had the privilege to be driven around in such a vehicle.  A favorite feature of the car was the dual windscreens. Though not unique to Rolls Royce, the concept of a two windshield convertible coach exudes prestige and class while encapsulating the design language of the roaring 20s. An absolutely extraordinary piece of engineering.  The next car that really caught our attention was the 1930 Lincoln Sport Roadster with a body built by Locke and Company of Rochester, New York. One of a mere 15 models ever produced, this was probably the rarest car at the exhibition. Finished in two tone green with a tan convertible top, this special Lincoln cost over $5000 new (nearly $90k today accounting for inflation). This car is one of three surviving examples of the original production run, and has gone through two restorations in order to preserve the car’s rich history for modern day car enthusiasts. Unsurprisingly, the roadster is frequently featured at prestigious events including but not limited to Amelia Island, the Glenmor Gathering, and St. Johns. I really enjoyed the combination of 20s and 30s car design combined together to create the ultimate Depression-era roadster.   Seldom seen on American roads anymore, the show boasted several Packards from the 1930s. Two Packard Super Eights, a green convertible built in 1934 and a red sedan built in 1937 were on display. Both cars had beefy straight eight cylinder engines and would not look out of place in a 1930s gangster movie. More interesting than that, we had the opportunity to sit in and hear the owner start a 1938 Packard Twelve Coupe Roadster. Powered by a 437 cubic inch V-12 paired with a three speed manual transmission, the remarkable engine was nearly silent upon start. Epitomizing 30s luxury, the car at new would come in at a whopping $122,000 adjusted for inflation.  Additionally, a great variety of more “classic” post-WWII American and European cars were on display. Our personal favorites were a 1959 Cadillac Coupe DeVille, a 1958 Porsche 356a Speedster, and a 1969 Mercedes 280 SL Roadster. Timeless but each encapsulating their different eras, we also had the opportunity to sit in and explore the interior of the Mercedes. Showcasing some early connected features, this car had a 5-band radio. Even cooler, it was the one featured in the Mercedes-Benz 2011 Super Bowl commercial. Far from the features of a modern car, it is nonetheless intriguing to examine the precursors of connected vehicles.  With that, we’ve covered our favorite cars from the Cheekwood Concours d’Elegance. Going to events like this is an essential activity for any car enthusiast, because rarely is so much automotive heritage on display in such pristine condition. As EVs are phased in and ICE cars are retired from production, there’s something special about seeing and experiencing the power and feel of classic cars. Happy belated Father’s Day and Fourth of July!

AMA at Auto Tech: Detroit 2023

Bridging the long gap between CES 2023 and CES 2024, AutoTech Detroit marks a productive halfway point through the year for the automotive industry to showcase their latest advances and outlooks in automotive technology.

AMA at Auto Tech: Detroit 2023

Bridging the long gap between CES 2023 and CES 2024, AutoTech Detroit marks a productive halfway point through the year for the automotive industry to showcase their latest advances and outlooks in automotive technology. Attended by nearly 2500 industry professionals, 250 exhibitors, dozens of speakers, and 850 companies, AutoTech found itself to be a bustling hub for business discussions, collaboration, and planning for the future. The showing was impressive this year, continuing to prove that the want and need for trade shows was not  killed by virtualization born from the Covid-19 pandemic.With such a focused gathering of automotive technology suppliers and OEMs, the content and business of the show was dominated by a few major themes. Coming up constantly across the panels from many experts ranging from Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T executives, to senior business development leaders across the major OEMS, connected cars and the future of connectivity took center stage during the show. Beginning the show with a bang, AT&T and safety solutions provider Haas Alert announced that cellular data used to provide vehicle safety features would be free in order to facilitate further advancements in safety oriented connectivity. Marking a major shift from prior policies, the cooperation between a major service provider and safe-software suppliers will open up a vital opportunity for cost-effective development of cutting edge safety features as further regulations are placed on OEMs both in the United States and abroad. Interestingly, these safety features are applicable beyond in-car use, additionally being able to communicate with pedestrians and warn of oncoming traffic or other hazards. Linking the two groups in such a way could drastically reduce the number of accidents between cars and pedestrians, saving countless lives on a yearly basis. Connected car was presented as an answer to the next generation of questions concerning the safety of drivers and passengers of the newest personal vehicles.  Moreover, AI based algorithms for insurance, condition monitoring, and emergency services were presented by OEMs and suppliers as accurate solutions for some of automotive technology’s most pressing issues. A speaker from Mercedes-Benz USA informed listeners at a June 7 panel that an onboard analysis of ADAS incidents could be used to notify authorities in an event of an emergency such as a driver seizure. Other companies like MOTER Technologies presented the ability to create advanced driver behavior based insurance in real time using edge processing in order to process data at the car, transmitting less data from the car, saving cost and mitigating privacy issues at the same time. MOTER is the first company to obtain approval for this form of high-tech driver’s insurance in the US, so a revolution in affordable insurance is on the cusp of taking the industry by storm. Topics covering the connected car’s efficacy and benefits took up a significant amount of AutoTech’s bandwidth, making clear to manufacturers and suppliers where the future of the auto industry lies.   Beyond the importance of safety, software defined vehicles were a preeminent topic examined by almost all attendees across the show floor. Industry experts noted repeatedly that software within vehicles is coming to define the consumer experience, and that customers are demanding more and better software-based features out of their cars. Some questions continue to surround the method of entertainment for owners of EVs at charging stations, in which they may find themselves needing to be occupied for one to two hours while their car recharges. For example, BMW recently announced a partnership with AirConsole that allows driver’s of their vehicles to play a collection of curated video games while they wait for their EV to charge, by using their Smartphone as a game controller. https://www.linkedin.com/embeds/publishingEmbed.html?articleId=8564693891085967291&li_theme=light Further, new methods of bundling entertainment as OEM controlled subscriptions were floated by panelists from automakers and major studios, perhaps opening the gate to significant changes to the way content is viewed by the driver and passengers in a car. Similarly, as the debate around the future of AM and FM continues to divide the automotive world, up and coming audio services sought to make their mark and move in to snap up the market share of in-vehicle audio listeners. AutoTech presented the reality of the entertainment space as a crucial piece of the software puzzle for OEMs, one which had to be answered well enough to meet the consumer’s growing needs. Like CES in January, AutoTech was an environment of businesses coming together to present real solutions to current problems. AutoTech proved that the auto industry is actively making the leap into next generation connected car and software defined vehicle technology. Business models continue to evolve, and the breakneck pace of development was spurred on by the myriad of ready-for-market services and innovations covering all facets of the market from insurance to in-car entertainment. The excitement and importance of the AutoTech Detroit event on the calendar should not be underestimated, allowing industry professionals the opportunity to easily peer into the future of tomorrow’s automotive world today.

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.

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

The Weakest Link

This is part two of a three part series on the development of EVs and their supporting infrastructure in the United States. It is said that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. In terms of the transition away from internal combustion engines towards electric vehicles, charging stations are the said “weakest link.” As essential as gas stations used by their ICE counterparts, EV charging stations are a fast developing but greatly lagging piece of the EV adoption puzzle in the United States. According to the White House in February, there are currently about 130,000 charging stations across the country which service three million or so EVs. Five years ago, the number was a little over half of that. While growing steadily for the last 10 years, the need for car charging stations is on the cusp of an explosion. The Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) actively encourages and incentivizes the mass adoption of both light EVs and medium/heavy duty commercial EVs, which will require significantly more powerful and larger charging stations. If the US is to expect tens of millions of new light EVs, medium duty EVs, and heavy duty EVs to hit the road by 2030, substantial steps need to be taken to make sure that there are enough charging stations to meet the massive demand.  https://www.linkedin.com/embeds/publishingEmbed.html?articleId=7033500277189233670&li_theme=light The first step will be to provide funding for companies to build the required number of charging stations to meet this demand. S&P Global, a NYC based financial analytics company, estimates that by 2027, the United States will need 1.2 million level 2 chargers and 109,000 level 3 chargers to meet the EV electricity demands. This is a stark increase from current capabilities, and at an estimated need of a 10 to 1 ratio of EVs to charging stations, it will take quite some time to reach these goals. Fortunately however, the Biden administration just this past week announced that over $2.5 billion in funding will be made available to local, city, and county governments for the express purpose of building more EV charging stations and expanding the availability of chargers to underserved areas. U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said in the White House press release that “extending EV charging infrastructure into traditionally underserved areas will ensure that equitable and widespread EV adoption takes hold,” and will ensure “that charging stations more visible and accessible in our communities addresses the concerns many American drivers have when considering making the switch to electric.”  So already, steps are being taken in the right direction to meet infrastructure demands.  https://www.linkedin.com/embeds/publishingEmbed.html?articleId=8836377427900808895&li_theme=light The second step for EV charging will be to fix the chronic reliability issues that plague the current charging network. According to a J.D. Power study and recently reported by Automotive News, between Q1 2021 and Q3 2022, failed charging attempts rose from 15% to 21%, and in the last year, nearly 2 in 5 charging attempts were unsuccessful. If the average American is expecting to be able to rely upon an EV to get them from point A to point B, a near 40% failure rate to “refuel” their car will not be sustainable. Reasons for these failures can include out of service chargers, vandalism, software problems, and payment processing issues. These errors are partially caused by the volume of traffic received by each station, with some stations having nearly no downtime at all because of availability issues. This creates a vicious cycle in which there are not enough charging stations, so the ones that do exist are strained to the point where they break, therefore causing less charging stations to be available overall, and so on. To fix the overall problem, some of the resources dedicated to building the new charging stations need to be used to shore up the already existing charging infrastructure dotting the US.  https://www.linkedin.com/embeds/publishingEmbed.html?articleId=9178542192637438259&li_theme=light The EV charging station situation is not optimal or perfect by any means, but when a revolutionary new technology enters the market, there are always bound to be some bumps along the road towards implementation. Continued investment from private companies and at all levels of government will be required to fix the problems outlined above, but fortunately great funding and emphasis is already being put into this widely acknowledged problem. The goal of the US government is to create a seamless transition to EVs in which charging a car has the same level of convenience as filling a car up at a gas station, and by dedicating a combined total of $7.5 billion to doing so, it shows that the necessary funding and support exist to make it a reality. Stay tuned in two weeks for Part 3 of AMA’s story on the development of EV infrastructure in the United States. Learn more about how the AutoMobility Advisors team can help you and your business seize the amazing opportunities to serve the new mobility market. Click on the link below and get in touch, we’d love to talk with you! #evcharginginfrastructure #evcharging #ev #electricvehicles #futuremobility #newmobility #connectedvehicles #digitaltransformation #AutoMobility Advisors