Society of Automotive Analysts

Coffee Break: Update Regarding Critical Legal Developments Shaping the Automotive Industry
2025-12-02 11:00 - 11:15 (America/New_York) | MI
Join Foley & Lardner, SAA’s exclusive legal partner, for an insightful coffee break exploring both recent rulings and anticipated changes in Michigan case law governing automotive requirements contracts.
On October 29, 2025, the Michigan Supreme Court granted leave to hear an appeal from the Michigan Court of Appeals decision in FCA US LLC v. Kamax Inc, holding FCA’s use of the phrase “approximately 65%-100% of FCA’s requirements” satisfies the Michigan UCC’s quantity term requirement. The upcoming decision by the Michigan Supreme Court is expected to resolve some of the remaining tension between the Michigan Supreme Court’s earlier decision in MSSC, Inc v. Airboss Flexible Prods Co (2023) and the Court of Appeals’ decision in Cadillac Rubber & Plastics, Inc v. Tubular Metal Systems, LLC (2020). The decision will (hopefully) resolve the split that has arisen between Michigan state courts and the federal Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the interplay between these two cases and will have significant ramifications for how many existing and future supply chain contracts will be interpreted.
Key topics that will be covered:

Current Landscape: A concise overview of Michigan law on requirements contracts, including conflicting interpretations at the state and federal levels.
Impact of Upcoming Ruling: How the Michigan Supreme Court’s decision may reshape requirements contracts now and in the future.
Practical Implications: How to use these court decisions to inform contract negotiations.

Speakers:

Ann Marie Uetz
Partner
Foley & Lardner

Steve Wybo
Senior Managing Director
Riveron

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.

Getting to Know Schaeffler; A Pioneer in Motion Technologies
2025-12-05 08:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Schaeffler, 2400 Executive Hills Boulevard, Auburn Hills, MI, 48326, United States
Following its merger with Vitesco last year, Schaeffler has grown to become the 14th largest global automotive supplier.
Please join Schaeffler Americas CEO Marc McGrath and CTO Jeff Hemphill to hear about:

The company’s newly updated five-year financial targets and industry outlook
Its rapid evolution from a traditional bearings producer to a leader in electric and traditional mobility, CO2-efficient drives, chassis technologies, and renewable energy solutions for the entire product life cycle
How the company is positioned for continued growth through the pioneering of motion technologies
The company’s innovations around powertrain offerings, AI applications, humanoid development, and beyond

Speakers:

Marc McGrath
CEO
Schaeffler

Jeff Hemphill
CTO
Schaeffler

Q&A Moderated by:
Michael Wayland
CNBC.com Autos Reporter

8:00 a.m. — Networking Continental Breakfast
8:45 – 10:00 a.m. — Presentations and Q&A
This event is free, but registration is required.

Coffee Break: From Macro to Micro Trends -- Navigating Today’s Volatility for Tomorrow’s Success
2025-12-10 11:00 - 11:15 (America/New_York) | MI
From Macro to Micro Trends — Navigating Today’s Volatility for Tomorrow’s Success
Join the SAA and Plante Moran subject matter experts for an insightful webinar examining how suppliers are adapting as automakers scale back EV programs. We’ll cover the financial challenges, competitive pressures, and opportunities emerging in this evolving environment. Register now to discover the steps that can help suppliers stay resilient amid industry disruptions.
Grab a Cup of Joe and Join Us! SAA Coffee Breaks are 15-minute high-level discussions of relevant and timely industry issues.
There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.

ACG Detroit -- 2026 Automotive Update
2026-01-13 16:30 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | Cambria Hotel Detroit Downtown, 600 West Lafayette Blvd., Detroit, MI, 48226, United States
Join ACG Detroit & the Society of Automotive Analysts for an in-depth look at the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of the automotive industry. As one of Michigan’s most influential sectors, automotive continues to undergo rapid transformation—from supply chain shifts and electrification to investment strategies and technological innovation.
This program will bring together leading voices from the automotive industry to share insights on market dynamics, deal flow, operational considerations, and what’s ahead for OEMs, suppliers, and investors. Attendees will gain a valuable perspective to help navigate the evolving landscape and make informed decisions in the year ahead.
Whether you work directly in automotive or support the companies that drive the industry forward, this event offers a strong opportunity to learn, connect, and engage with fellow professionals across the region.
Speakers include:

Mike Wall

S&P Global
Executive Director, Automotive Analysis

Heather M. Schroder

Robert Bosch LLC
Vice President – Legal

Steven Wybo
Riveron
Restructuring & Turnaround Practice Co-Leader

Jeff Gilbert (Moderator)

WWJ Newsradio 950
Automotive Reporter

Members $125 • Non-members $175

39th Annual Automotive Outlook Conference
2026-01-29 07:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | FANUC AMERICA, 3900 W. Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills, MI, 48309, United States
Hosted by:

Join us at the upcoming premier automotive outlook conference hosted by the SAA to gain valuable insights into the future of the automotive industry in 2026 and beyond. Discover the latest updates and forecasts on the economy, demand outlook and sales dynamics, vehicle production, electrification, and autonomous vehicles.
Don’t miss the exclusive opportunity to tour FANUC America’s cutting-edge facilities. Register now to secure your spot!
Speakers include:
EV pivot with regulations and EV program update
Eric Anderson
Associate Director, Powertrain Forecasting – The Americas
S&P Global Mobility

What is affordable innovation these days?
Mark Barrott
Partner, Management Consulting — Strategy & Operations
Plante Moran

Outlook for US demand and production
David Oakley
Manager, Americas Vehicle Sales Forecasts
GlobalData

Wall Street Outlook
Colin Langan
Automotive & Mobility Analyst
Wells Fargo

Consumer Value: Relationships Under Duress
KC Boyce
Vice President/Sector Lead, Powertrain Innovation & Energy Transformation
Escalent

The Economist’s View
Charles Chesbrough
Senior Economist and Senior Director of Industry Insights
Cox Automotive

New Trends in Automotive Automation
Dave Astrauckas
General Manager
FANUC America

Software Defined Mobility: The Road Ahead
Mufaddel Dahodwala
Client Solutions Director, Researcher & Innovator
KPIT

Q&A Moderator:
Jamie Butters
Automotive Journalist

$99 for SAA members; $199 for non-members (includes one-year SAA membership valued at $150)

Unlock the Latest Consumer Behavior Trends: Essential Ipsos Global Trends Toolkit for SAA (Webinar)
2026-02-25 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | MI
Global optimism plummeted in 2025: Only 59% of consumers remain optimistic about themselves and their families, and just 45% about their communities.
Join SAA and Ipsos for a discussion of insights taken from the ninth annual Ipsos Global Trends report: ‘The Uneasy Decade.‘
This report captures the mid-decade shift, drawing on data from 43 global markets and insights from over 5 million data points.

Jennifer Bender
Ipsos Global Head of Trends & Foresight
Associate Partner, Ipsos Strategy3

There is no cost to attend this event, but registration is required.

Coffee Break: Affordability in Auto -- Smarter Ways to Innovate
2026-03-11 11:00 - 11:15 (America/New_York) | MI
Innovation looks different in today’s affordability‑driven market. Join the experts from Plante Moran on March 11 for a brief discussion on how automotive suppliers are rethinking product and operational innovation to stay competitive amid ongoing cost pressures. We’ll share where innovation is creating value today and what it means for supplier strategy.

What are SAA Coffee Breaks?
We know your time is limited and valuable. SAA’s Coffee Breaks are 15-minute presentations on timely and relevant topics. SAA Coffee Breaks are free and open to the industry.
There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.

13th Annual Automotive Recalls Summit
2026-04-28 12:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Hyatt House, 30955 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, MI, 48073, United States
Held in partnership with:

The automotive industry is at a turning point.
In 2025, a near-record-breaking 406 unique light vehicle recall campaigns were reported as the trajectory of filed campaigns continues its ten-year ascent. The data suggests that a by-product of continued rapid light vehicle innovation is an increased number of recalls. But it’s not just the numbers that tell the story. The nature of recalls is shifting dramatically: more mid-sized campaigns and increased tail risk, i.e., the time it takes defects to manifest, stood out in 2025. As the automotive landscape rapidly evolves, connectivity and vehicle sophistication are rewriting the rules of defect detection and response.
The question isn’t just how many recalls — it’s what comes next.
The 13th Annual Automotive Recalls Summit is where the industry comes for answers.
This is the must-attend event for anyone navigating the high-stakes world of automotive safety, compliance, and quality. Expect bold conversations, hard data, and actionable insights across the issues defining recalls today:

🔍 Recall trends decoded — The latest on recall size, type, and scope, and what the numbers are really telling us.
📈 What’s fueling the surge — A deep dive into the industry forces driving elevated recall activity.
⚠️ Sensors, ADAS & the road to autonomy — Why vehicle sensors are failing and what that means for the future of automated driving.
🔩 Aftermarket & counterfeits — The growing threat of aftermarket recalls and counterfeit parts you can’t afford to ignore.
⚖️ The decision to recall — Exploring the data, benchmarks, and judgment calls behind one of the most consequential, and costly, decisions in the industry.
💰 The cost of getting it wrong — The latest on warranty and recall costs, and how leading companies are fighting back.

Agenda:
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm — Registration and Networking
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm — Stout Presentation
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm — Networking and Discussion with Stout team
Stout Speakers:

Raymond Roth, Director, Automotive Recall Practice Leader
Robert Levine, Managing Director

Special Guests:

Varun Jain, Counsel, K&L Gates
Mark Chutkow, Member, Dykema
Jay Logel, Senior Counsel, Dykema
Von Lindsey, President, Lindsey Research Services

Sponsored by:

This event is free for SAA members; $49 for non-members

YPN Networking Event: Manufacturing, Mobility & Innovation at Newlab Detroit
2026-04-28 14:30 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Newlab, 2050 15th St., Detroit, MI, 48216, United States
Held in partnership with:

Enjoy a guided tour of Newlab’s state‑of‑the‑art facility, followed by a relaxed, on-site happy hour to connect with peers across the manufacturing and automotive community.
Agenda:

2:30 – 3:00 p.m. Arrival & Networking
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Guided Newlab Detroit Tour
4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Onsite Networking Happy Hour

Thanks to our sponsor:

Event sponsor:

There is no cost to attend for YPN members, but registration is required.

Not a YPN member? Join today for free by clicking here.

17th Annual Purchasing Summit
2026-05-19 08:00 - 12:15 (America/New_York) | Marelli, 26555 Northwestern Highway,, Southfield, MI, 48033, United States
Hosted by:

Held in partnership with:

The SAA, MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers, and Plante Moran are pleased to announce the 17th Annual Purchasing Summit taking place May 19 at Marelli’s Customer Experience Center in Southfield, Mich.
This long-standing industry event brings suppliers together with OEM purchasing leaders for timely insights, candid discussion and meaningful networking. The program will open with key findings from the 2026 Plante Moran North American Automotive OEM Supplier Working Relations Index® Study, offering an inside look at the current state of OEM supplier relationships across the industry.
Following the presentation, purchasing executives from participating OEMs will join a discussion on the study’s results and share perspectives on how suppliers can strengthen collaboration and navigate the evolving purchasing landscape. The program will conclude with a networking session, providing valuable opportunities for face-to-face engagement with OEM purchasing leaders and industry peers.

Schedule:
8:00 a.m. – Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:30 a.m. – Opening Remarks
8:40 a.m. – Plante Moran North American Automotive OEM-Supplier Working Relations Index Study Results
9:40 a.m. – Fireside Chat
11:40 a.m. – OEM Panel Session
11:55 a.m. — Networking
12:15 p.m. — Adjourn
Featured Speakers:
Mark Barrott
Partner, Plante Moran
Vice President, Society of Automotive Analysts

Dr. Angela Johnson
Principal Management Consulting, Supplier Relations Analytics, Plante Moran

Mike Lapham
Vice President, Purchasing, Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, LLC

Marvin Washington
Vice President – Global Purchasing & Supplier Quality, Stellantis

Tanya Skilton

Executive Director, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, General Motors

Rowina Fornica
Head of Supply Chain Excellence, Ford Motor Company

Steve Jernigan
Chief Purchasing Officer, Nissan Americas

Ryan Grimm
Group Vice President, Purchasing Supplier Development, Toyota Motors North America

Collin Shaw
President, MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers

Secure your spot early, as space is limited.
Clicking “Register” will take you to the MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers website to complete registration.

YPN Event: Exclusive Tour of HP Pelzer Automotive
2026-05-21 16:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | HP Pelzer Automotive Systems Inc., 1175 N Crooks Rd., Troy, MI, 48084, United States
Adler Pelzer Group (APG) is a global automotive supplier specializing in acoustic and thermal solutions that enhance vehicle comfort, performance, and efficiency. APG supports major automakers worldwide with products that reduce noise, manage heat, and improve interior quality.
Attendees will gain insight into the company’s engineering capabilities. The facility features an A2LA-certified materials laboratory, a fully equipped acoustics lab with a chassis dynamometer for in-vehicle testing, and a pilot shop producing prototype parts for OEMs like Ford, Stellantis, GM, BMW, Mercedes, Toyota, and Honda
Event Schedule:
4 p.m. – FACILITY TOUR (SEE DETAILS)

Interactive Tour to gain a deeper understanding of the company’s engineering capabilities

5:00 – 6:30 p.m. – FOOD & NETWORKING

Food and Networking, including a fireside chat with the CEO

Headquarters Tour Activities
1. Corporate & Engineering Overview

Introduction to APG’s core activities
Overview of design, testing, prototyping, and development services

2. Three Rotating Stations
a. Acoustic Laboratory

Chassis Dynamometer Demo: See NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) testing on a vehicle in action.
Acoustic Box Demo: Experience how acoustic materials function to block or absorb noise in a controlled environment.

b. Pilot Shop

Polyurethane Foam Machine: Observe how material is poured to create test samples, including cup tests.
Mini Carpet Molding: Watch live carpet molding using a scaled production mold.

c. Materials

Demo Vehicle with Acoustic Package: Explore the placement and role of acoustic components inside a vehicle, and their effect on interior comfort.
Recycling & Sustainability: Learn about APG’s efforts to recycle acoustic materials and promote sustainability
throughout the product lifecycle.

Hosted by:

Thanks to our sponsor:

There is no cost to attend but registration is required.

The Decisions That Will Shape the Next Decade of Automotive: A Conversation with Magna CEO Swamy Kotagiri
2026-06-09 08:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Magna, 750 Tower Drive, Troy, MI, 78098, United States
Join the Automotive Press Association and the Society of Automotive Analysts for a moderated conversation with Magna CEO Swamy Kotagiri on how automotive leaders are making critical decisions in a more uncertain, capital‑constrained environment.
As the industry balances near‑term performance with the need to invest in what’s next, Swamy will share Magna’s perspective on how shifting demand, evolving supply chains, and regional dynamics are reshaping decision‑making in real time—across customers, programs, and markets.
The discussion will explore how OEMs and suppliers are navigating these trade‑offs: where priorities are changing, how capital is being allocated, and how companies are continuing to invest in next‑generation vehicle architectures, including software‑defined platforms, while maintaining operational discipline today.
The session will take the form of a fireside chat moderated by Nora Eckert of Reuters, followed by audience Q&A.
Agenda:
8:00–9:00 a.m. — Networking breakfast (optional)
9:00–10:00 a.m. — Presentation, fireside chat, Q&A
10:00 a.m. — Event concludes
Free to SAA Members
Non-Members – $99.00 (includes a one-year Bronze membership to the SAA)

Coffee Break: Midyear Review of the Automotive Industry
2026-06-10 11:00 - 11:15 (America/New_York) | MI
Join the SAA for an insightful 15-minute Coffee Break for a brief midyear check‑in on the automotive industry. Experts from Plante Moran will share a market forecast and explore how electrification continues to influence industry direction as the year unfolds. Grab a cup of coffee and tune in for a timely perspective on where the market stands and what to watch next.
There is no cost to attend this webinar, but registration is required.

Augmented: The Human + Machine Intelligence Advantage
2026-06-18 08:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Munro & Associates, 1140 Centre Road, Auburn Hills, MI, 48326, United States
Hosted by:
Why the Winners of the Next Decade Will Be Human + Machine Organizations
The automotive industry is entering its next major transformation – driven by AI, automation, electrification, advanced manufacturing, and machine intelligence. But despite the headlines, the future is not about replacement. It’s about augmentation. The companies that win the next decade will not be the ones that blindly chase disruption. They will be the organizations that learn how to combine human expertise with machine capability to move faster, build smarter, scale efficiently, and make better decisions.
Augmented brings together automotive leaders, manufacturing innovators, technology disruptors, investors, and strategists to explore how AI, robotics, EV technologies, autonomy, and intelligent systems are reshaping the industry in practical, commercially viable ways. Featuring keynote speakers, Munro teardown insights, and expert perspectives from across the automotive and mobility ecosystem, this event will separate hype from reality – and identify where the real opportunities are emerging.
Speakers include executives from:

Munro
Robostrategy
FANUC
Pratt Miller
Kinetic Vision
Kettering University

Agenda:

8:00 a.m. — Registration/Continental Breakfast
8:30 a.m. — Program
11:15 a.m. — Tour of facility

Free for SAA Members
$99 for non-members (includes 1-year SAA membership)

SAA Motoring Minds Featuring Motor Trend's Frank Markus
2026-08-11 13:00 - 13:30 (America/Detroit) | MI
Join SAA Motoring Minds, a free series for automotive professionals and enthusiasts. Each session explores the latest industry trends and innovations with expert-led discussions. This is a Zoom event, but a recording will be available.
Motoring Minds is hosted by Adam Bernard, SAA President and Founder of AutoPerspectives (Adam Bernard | LinkedIn). The next episode will feature Frank Markus, who will discuss the hottest and coolest automotive technologies, from super-efficient electric motors to innovative HMI solutions.
Adam’s special guest:
Frank Markus
Technical Director, Motor Trend
Frank received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1985 and a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Rackham School of Graduate Studies at the University of Michigan in 1987. He spent six years with the Chrysler Corporation, in Vehicle Development engineering and Advance Vehicle Packaging engineering. Frank has no formal journalism training, but his love of cars and travel led him to join Car and Driver magazine in April 1991 as Technical Editor. In 2003, Frank joined the staff of Motor Trend Magazine as Technical Director, working out of the Detroit area and responsible for editing all magazine content for technical accuracy.

Attendance is free, but please let us know you are joining us.

Precision Laser-Timed Autocross Competition and Dinner: Take the Wheel -- You're the Driver
2026-08-27 16:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | M1 Concourse, 1 Concourse Drive, Pontiac, Michigan, 48341, United States
The most popular (and fun) YPN event of the year returns on August 27th when YPN members will get a chance to compete and network at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, MI — the ultimate destination for automotive enthusiasts and Michigan’s premier motorsports and entertainment venue.
Attendees will compete in a laser-timed Autocross Competition, a precision driving challenge held on the facility’s massive 2.5-acre asphalt “Arena.” Drivers weave through a cone-marked, technical course to compete against the clock and their peers. Click here to watch the Autocross Experience.
Following the Autocross Competition, YPN members will meet at Tom McDonald’s garage for networking and dessert.
Schedule of activities:

4:30 pm – Arrival
5-7 pm – Autocross Competition and Dinner
7-8 pm – Networking and Dessert at Tom McDonald’s Garage

Sponsored by:

No fee for YPN Members. Click here to become a member.

The Road Ahead – Scaling Innovation in an Evolving Landscape
2026-09-17 07:30 - 11:45 (America/New_York) | FORVIA North America, 2800 High Meadow Circle, Auburn Hills, MI, 48326, United States
Hosted and held in partnership with:

The Road Ahead with FORVIA convenes senior leaders from FORVIA and the VC mobility community to examine how the global supplier is investing in emerging technologies to move them from innovation to scale, and how capital, partnerships, and transactions shape that journey.
Agenda
7:30 a.m. — Registration, Breakfast & Startup + Capital Showcase
8:30 a.m. — Welcome Remarks
Adam Bernard
SAA President and Founder of AutoPerspectives

Francois Tardif
EVP, FORVIA North America

8:45 a.m. — Panel 1 — Identifying and Investing in Automotive Innovation
From Prototype to Platform: How Industrial Technologies Are Funded and Scaled
Moderator:
Jamie Butters
Founder of Butters Bureau and host of Autotown

Panelists:

Colleen Haley
President, Seating North America, FORVIA

Andrew Bates
Vice President, Automated Driving, FORVIA HELLA

Ben Cohen
Vice President, HELLA Ventures

Chad Durkee
Technology Scouting Director, North America, Faurecia

9:45 a.m. — Refreshment & Networking Break
10:00 a.m. — Fireside Chat — M&A, Investments, Exits and Scale
This session covers evolving buyer and investor dynamics, technology investment criteria, common industrial M&A pitfalls, and how early capital decisions shape eventual exits.
Moderator: Jamie Butters, Founder of Butters Bureau and host of Autotown
Panelists:

Chris Stallman
Fontinalis – Early-stage Venture Capital Investor

Nancy Philippart
General Partner and Co-Founder, BELLE Funds

TBD, Private Equity Fund Investor

10:50 a.m. — Financing the Industrial Technology Lifecycle
A conversation with the startups and manufacturing innovations that FORVIA is investing in.
Moderator:
Tom Kelly
CEO of Automation Alley

Panelists:

Kevin Mull
Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, Bedrock Detroit

Maxwell Reeder
Account Executive, Inbolt

TBD, Regional Startup

11:30 a.m. — Closing Remarks
Free for SAA members and media; $49 for non-members
