Fuel For Thought

North American auto production is expected to drop to 12.9 million units in 2020. However, the need to replenish inventories and more robust pace of sales is indicating the recovery is stronger than expected. IHS Markit expects North American production will reach 15.2 million units in 2021.

Michael Robinet discusses recent automaker partnerships including two by GM with Honda and Nikola; FCA with PSA; and Ford's alignment with VW.

In this podcast, Stephanie Brinley discusses Jeep's reentry into the full-size SUV segment. On September 3, 2020, Jeep will reveal the new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer via virtual events amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The full-size SUV segment has relatively few players. In 2019, this segment accounted for 2.4% of total US light vehicle sales.

US sales figures from July reflect sustained retail sales levels. The outlook for second half of year remains opaque but shows people are willing, able and ready to entertain a new car purchase. IHS Markit upgrades its outlook to 13.6 million units for the full year.

Kristen Balasia, Joseph Kyriakoza and Melanie Erff talk about the accelerated change of automotive retail due to the COVID-19 pandemic impact.

Todd Campau discusses the average age of vehicles in the United States. With nearly 280 million vehicles on the road the average age is approaching 12 years. 25% of these vehicles are 16 years of age or older. The average age of vehicles is expected to increase further due to COVID-19 work from home policies and the reduced number of vehicle miles traveled which extends a vehicle's life.

With 2.5 months of lost output and revenue, strategy is front and center for the North America auto industry.

Changing consumer preferences in the US with Stephanie Brinley.

New registrations this year in the US are down 35% from a year ago and are vastly different from last year.

Kristen Balasia, Mike Wall and Tom Libby talks about the automotive recovery from Covid-19.

As suppliers brace for potential after effects of COVID-19, Michael Robinet looks at today's challenges and compares them with the recession of 2008/9

With IHS Markit forecasting sales of 13.2 million light vehicles in 2020, Stephanie Brinley looks at demand for different vehicle segments.

Stephanie Brinley looks at the technology race that Ford, GM and FCA have created in full-sized pick ups.

North America automotive parts suppliers add the new USMCA trade agreement to their list of current challenges.

The automotive industry is ramping up efforts to address consumer concerns around COVID-19. Jeremy Carlson discusses results from a survey related to antimicrobial features in a vehicle.

Devin Lindsay discusses the development of a million mile battery.

Stephanie Brinley discusses the US automotive restart. IHS Markit forecasts the US sales will fall to 12.5 million units.

Michael Robinet looks at the unknown post-COVID environment that awaits automakers and suppliers as they restart production.

As the global automotive market has creatively and painstakingly been enduring the COVID-19 pandemic, a new challenge awaits. While the industry looks to cautiously restart, considerations range from overall supply chain readiness and workforce safety to uncertain consumer demand and behavior. What new practices and policies will remain in the post-COVID world propelling some players forward while...

Jeremy Carlson discusses results from a recent survey that asked 100 global OEMs and suppliers what the effects of the pandemic would be on automotive revenues, R&D, and technology

Stephanie Brinley discusses the current status of global automotive sales and production

New US fuel economy standards and what it means for consumers with Devin Lindsay

Chris Hopson discusses the US light vehicle sales forecast for 2020.

As the automotive industry works to navigate the unprecedented challenges COVID-19 brings to automotive sales, service and distribution, creative approaches are being seen across the board. Limitations on face-to-face interactions are forcing OEMs and dealers alike to accelerate their retail transformation efforts. For the first time, consumers who need or want to buy, trade-in or service their ve...

Michael Robinet discusses the steps the automotive industry will need to consider while recovering from COVID-19.