The Culture Lane

Fiat has developed quite a legacy over its 125-year history. In recent years, the Italian brand’s global appeal has been rooted in the all-electric Fiat 500. Now, the Italian automaker is looking to leverage the vehicle's popularity in North America, with the launch of the new all-electric Fiat 500e in the market. In this episode of The Culture Lane, Aamir Ahmed, the newly appointed head of F...

Social media has become a pivotal part of automotive marketing strategies. However, when it comes to influencers and content creators, social is arguably one of the most challenging areas of marketing to navigate. In this episode of The Culture Lane, Joe Gagliese, founder and CEO of Viral Nation, a company rooted in the power of influencers, discusses how automakers can successfully navigate those...

Genesis is arguably one of the most interesting brands in the automotive sector. Launched in 2016 in the U.S., the South Korean automaker has quickly become a major competitor in the luxury segment. And technology has been an intricate part of the company's success. In this episode of The Culture Lane, we explore the key tenets of Genesis’ approach to tech, with Ricky Lao, who has played a pi...

The transformative impact of artificial intelligence in the automotive and mobility industry is well underway. And one of the companies breaking new ground in the space is SoundHound AI. Leveraging its relationship with Nvidia, the company is redefining the idea of in-vehicle communications, with its conversational intelligence technology. In this episode of The Culture Lane, we delve into the tec...

Every business sector is poised to be impacted by the deprecation or phasing out of third-party cookies. In this episode of The Culture Lane, we delve into the implications of the shift away from cross-site web-tracking on automakers, dealers, and other affiliated businesses – as well as other changes redefining the digital marketing landscape. Our guest is marketing thought-leader, Ken Nelson, wh...

For 25 years, the Cadillac Escalade has dominated the luxury SUV market. Now, Cadillac is charging up for one of its boldest moves yet in the segment – the launch of the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ, the brand's first all-electric model of the iconic SUV. To kick off Season 2 of The Culture Lane, we talked to Donnelly Baxter, who will play a key role in positioning the highly anticipated  Cadill...

Connected vehicles are poised to completely redefine automobility, from car sharing to the way packages are delivered to customers. This week's episode delves into Smartcar, a tech company that is taking a different lane in the world of connected vehicles, by enabling developers with the tools to more easily create apps to improve the mobility experience. The featured guest is Sahas Katta, fo...

Hyundai continues to gain ground in the U.S. car market, all while striving to solidify its position in the new world of mobility. This episode of The Culture Lane delves into how the company is navigating that transition with featured guest Olabisi Boyle − vice president of product and mobility at Hyundai Motor America.      

There is no shortage of new charging ideas in the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles. But Rove, a new California-based startup, is taking a different approach to addressing some of the major barriers associated with EV ownership. The company is launching what it touts as “full-service” charging centers with a host of premium amenities. This week’s featured guest is Nathan McDonnell, CEO o...

The auto industry has long been a business driven by traditions.  Over a decade ago, Carvana launched, with a mission to disrupt the space, by providing consumers with a different approach to buying a used vehicle. This episode delves into how the company is building on that strategy while navigating the challenges that come with being a disruptor. The featured guest is Dan Gill, chief product off...

The task of positioning an automotive brand in today’s consumer market is challenging, to say the least. There are so many factors to consider – whether it's assessing how a particular vehicle might appeal to millennials or finding a clever way to promote new tech features. This episode of The Culture Lane delves into how Nissan U.S. is meeting the challenge, with featured guest Marisstella M...

Every retail business is relying more on digital solutions to better connect with consumers. But ensuring that the tech is effective is more than a notion. Episode 10 of The Culture Lane explores how auto dealers are fairing when it comes to technology aimed at improving their relationship with consumers. The featured guest is Steve Greenfield  ̶   founder and CEO of the auto tech investment compa...

Being able to predict consumer buying behavior in automotive to any degree can be hugely beneficial to those in the business. Episode nine of The Culture Lane delves into two studies by the research company Collage Group, unearthing some interesting findings pertaining to vehicle preferences among some key demographic groups. The featured guest is Jack Mackinnon, who serves as senior director of C...

The idea of flying cars used to be something primarily associated with science fiction movies. However, the growing market for eVTOLs could make the vehicles a real mobility option in a few years. This episode dives into the business of electric takeoff and landing vehicles with Guy Kaplinsky, Co-Founder and CEO of ASKA, a company looking to position itself as a unique offering in the sector when...

There is so much buzz around AI, but how is it poised to drive the world of automotive and mobility? Episode seven of The Culture Lane dives into that very topic and some of the pros and cons associated with the wider adoption of AI in the sector. The featured guest is Ashok Divakaran  ̶  AI sector lead for automotive and mobility at the consulting company Deloitte.

Episode six of The Culture Lane explores the design processes that drive the color and materials palette for the Jeep Wrangler, with a focus on the 2024 model line-up. The episode also delves into the role that color will play in the future of the Wrangler and the Jeep brand overall. The featured guest is La Shirl Turner – VP of Advanced Color and Materials at Stellantis.

Episode five of The Culture Lane dives into what very well could be the key to business success in the new competitive world of automotive and mobility – culture itself. The featured guest is Marcus Collins – an award-winning marketer, a professor at Ross School of Business, and author of the book For the Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want to Be .

Episode four of The Culture Lane explores the tech company WiTricity, which is focused on completely transforming the EV landscape with wireless charging pads. Featured guest – WiTricity CEO Alex Gruzen – discusses the market positioning strategy for the company’s charging technology for both consumers and fleet businesses.

In-cabin technology is playing a pivotal role in the evolving world of automotive. Episode three of The Culture Lane takes a deep dive into one of the companies helping to lead that evolution – Harman Automotive. Our guest is Armin Prommersberger, who is charged with leading Harman's efforts in the space as VP of product development, automotive.

Episode two of The Culture Lane takes a deeper dive into how the GMC Hummer EV and its Ultium battery platform are driving GM’s electrification strategy. Featured guest Andy Oury – engineering technical leader for high-voltage battery packs at GM – discusses everything, from strategic partnerships in the EV space to enhancing the Ultium platform.

Episode one of The Culture Lane features Marques McCammon – the newly appointed president of Karma Automotive. The seasoned auto exec, who has 25-plus years of experience in the transportation industry, shares his insight on some of the challenges facing the business and how he envisions Karma gaining traction in the new world of mobility.        

The intro to The Culture Lane sets the stage for what promises to be an insightful journey exploring the new world of automotive and mobility.  The host is Marcus Amick, a journalist with nearly 20 years of experience covering transportation. The Culture Lane will take a different route than most, providing listeners with a more unique perspective on the automotive and mobility industry.