Society of Automotive Analysts

Sharing the Results of AlixPartners' Software-Defined Vehicles Survey of Senior Executives in Both Auto and Tech
2024-01-03 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
SAA members are invited to attend this virtual event of the Automotive Press Association (APA)
Just a few days before the opening of the CES show in Las Vegas, the Automotive Press Association will be joined by senior experts from global consulting firm AlixPartners, who will announce the results from its December 2023 survey of scores of senior executives in both the auto industry and the tech industry about the challenges and opportunities regarding software-defined vehicles, or SDVs.
Presenting from AlixPartners, as well as adding their own perspectives, will be: Mark Wakefield, Global Co-Leader of the Automotive and Industrial Practice, and Himanshu Khandelwal, Partner and Managing Director in the Automotive and Industrial Practice.
Among the questions asked in the survey: Just what is an SDV? Do auto execs and tech execs view SDV challenges and opportunities the same way? What are the biggest challenges and opportunities right now and going forward? Will SDVs revolutionize the entire industry or not? Etc., etc.
Following the presentation, Michael Wayland, APA President and CNBC Autos Reporter, will moderate a question and answer session with Mark and Himanshu.
This event is free, but registration is required.

Automotive Outlook Conference
2024-01-25 07:30 - 12:00 | FANUC America Corp., 3900 W Hamlin Road, Rochester, MI, 48309, United States
37th Annual Automotive Outlook Conference
Hosted by:

The SAA flagship event will look at what 2024 has in store for OEMs and suppliers and provide updates and forecasts on the North American economic outlook, sales dynamics, vehicle production, electrification, autonomous vehicles, and robotics.
Veteran automotive reporter Jeff Gilbert will moderate the 37th Annual Automotive Outlook Conference on January 25, 2024. Joining Gilbert will be analysts from Ford Motor Co., GlobalData, Plante Moran, S&P Global Mobility, IPSOS, Fitch Ratings, and FANUC.
Following the event, there will be optional tours of FANUC America’s facilities (registration is requested).

Moderator:
Jeff Gilbert
Auto Reporter for WWJ Newsradio 950/CBS

Speakers include:

Economic Outlook
Bryan Bezold
Senior Economist for the Americas
Ford Motor Co.

EV Demand
Kevin Riddell
Senior Manager, Powertrain and EV Forecasts
GlobalData

Light Vehicle Outlook
Joe Langley
Director, North America Forecasting
S&P Global Mobility

EV Product and Production Transition
Dave Andrea
Principal
Plante Moran

Factors Affecting Credit Strength
Stephen Brown
Senior Director and Lead Analyst for the North American Automotive Sector
Fitch Ratings

The U.S. Consumer
Mike VanNieuwkuyk
Senior Vice President, Senior Automotive Client Officer and Advisory Lead
IPSOS

Robotics Industry Trends
Lou Finazzo
Vice President
FANUC America

$99 for SAA Members
$199 for Non-Members (includes 1 year of SAA membership)

Ford's 2024 Trend Report
2024-02-15 13:00 - 14:30
Jen Brace to Present a Summary of Ford’s 2024 Trend Report
This webinar will examine how society is adapting – how consumers, communities and businesses alike are rewriting the rules of living, working, buying, traveling and more.
Jen Brace, Ford’s Trends and Futuring Manager, will discuss consumer trends to watch and present highlights of the automaker’s annual Further with Ford Trends Report. Following Jen’s summary of the report, she will answer questions from attendees. Attendees will also receive a link to access the interactive Trends Report following the meeting.
About Jen Brace: Jen, Trends and Futuring Manager at Ford, leads discussions on long-term thinking, planning and strategic development. By researching demographic shifts, identifying market outliers and developing data-driven scenarios for the future, she challenges her colleagues to think through a broad range of possible narratives before settling on a plan of action. Throughout her 20-year career with Ford, she has launched multiple versions of SYNC in vehicle technology, led user experience research projects on autonomous vehicles and drove innovation in mobility from Greenfield Labs in Palo Alto, CA.

Free to SAA Members
$99 to Non-Members (Includes 1-year of SAA membership)

Coffee Break with Foley & Lardner (virtual) -- AI and Connectivity in Advanced Manufacturing – Legal Implications
2024-02-21 11:00 - 11:15
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.
Held in Partnership With SAA’s Exclusive Legal Partner:

Featuring Ann Marie Uetz, Nick Ellis and Shabbi Khan of Foley & Lardner
Many advanced manufacturing companies are seeking to integrate or expand their use of AI, connectivity, and other related technologies. While such tools can have significant benefits, they also bring potential risks and pitfalls. This coffee break will provide an overview of the key legal implications and potential risks associated with the use of these cutting-edge technologies in manufacturing for the automotive industry.
The Coffee Break is free to attend, but registration is required.

Coffee Break with Plante Moran (virtual) -- M&A Automotive Market Direction
2024-03-13 11:00 - 11:15
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.

Join the SAA as Plante Moran subject matter experts examine what they see in M&A and why 2024 is stacking up to be a good year for deals – the market, supplier sentiment, and the role of M&A in supplier growth strategies.

Speakers:
Ellen Clark
Managing Director
Plante Moran Corporate Finance

Ted Morgan
Partner
Plante Moran

Attendance is free, but registration is required.

YPN Happy Hour
2024-03-14 17:00 - 19:00 | Como’s Restaurant, 22812 Woodward Ave #100, Ferndale, MI, 48220, United States
There is no cost to attend for YPN members, but registration is required.

Critical Legal Issues and Trends Facing the Automotive Industry (Webinar)
2024-03-21 13:00 - 14:00
Held in partnership with:

SAA’s exclusive legal partner Foley & Lardner will provide an in-depth review of some of the most critical legal issues and trends facing the automotive industry in 2024. Topics will include a review of cybersecurity issues facing the industry, including ransomware and other threats, and a discussion of key concerns related to data privacy and artificial intelligence.
The event will also provide an overview of recent court decisions that impact the various pricing disputes that continue to impact all levels of the automotive supply chain.
Speakers:
Nicholas J. Ellis
Topic: Recent Trends and Court Decisions related to Pricing Disputes and Supply Chain Disruption

Aaron Tantleff
Topic: Cyber Security Threats and Challenges

Shabbi Khan
Topic: Best Practices for Data Governance and Deployment of AI Systems and Unique Intellectual Property Challenges relating to AI

The event is free, but registration is required.

11th Annual Automotive Recalls Summit
2024-04-24 13:00 - 16:00 | Detroit Marriott Livonia, 17100 Laurel Park Drive North, Livonia, 48152, United States
Held in partnership with:

The number of vehicles affected by recall in the U.S. in 2023 was the highest we have observed in the past decade. Moreover, 2023 saw a near-record number of automotive light vehicle recalls, second only to 2021. Yet, the average recall size remained stable from 2022. Still, 2023 saw multiple recalls affecting more than 1 million vehicles. And as the industry continues to innovate, new risks are emerging related to electrification, automation, and technology integration.
The 11th Annual Automotive Recalls Summit will examine recent trends in the industry, including:

The latest automotive recall trends, including recall size, type, and scope.
What is driving the continuing increase in the number of recalls, and what does it mean for the future of recalls?
Get a first look at an innovative approach to categorizing vehicle recalls based on various risk factors.
Groundbreaking insights related to consumer perceptions of light vehicle recalls from owners of older vehicles with open recalls.
The latest trends in the cost of automotive warranty and recall and how the industry is responding.
Recall administration practices of other consumer product regulators that can inform innovations in the administration of U.S. light vehicle recalls.
The role of component testing, compliance, and organizational culture in preventing defects and recalls.

Speakers

Raymond Roth
Director

Neil Steinkamp
Managing Director

Robert Levine
Managing Director

Guest Speakers:

Katelyn Bittleman – Policy Analyst, FDA
Christoff Bentele – President, Nexus Specialty Casualty
Jennifer Dukarski – Shareholder, Butzel

Agenda

12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Registration and Networking
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. — Stout Presentation
3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. — LexisNexis® Risk Solutions Session
3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Networking and Discussion with Stout team

Event sponsor:

Owner Engagement Insights
Based on recent consumer research, LexisNexis® Risk Solutions discovered that not only do a majority (65%) of used vehicle owners who purchased from a private party or independent dealer expect their OEM to contact them, half of them (53%) expect to be contacted within two months. During this session, subject matter experts from LexisNexis will share new consumer research findings to help you better understand used vehicle owner expectations – specifically as it relates to recalls and the impact that fuel type plays on recall response and repair rates.

Accelerating Change: Advanced Look at Urban Science/Harris Poll Insights
2024-05-07 08:00 - 11:00 | Urban Science, 400 Renaissance Center, Suite 2900, Detroit, MI, 48243, United States
This event is held in partnership with:

Accelerating change: advanced look at Urban Science/Harris Poll insights regarding dealer relevance, proprietary Urban Science EV sales microstudy
Several Urban Scientists – some of the auto industry’s leading experts – will present insights and perspectives that will better position OEMs and dealers to make decisions based on the power of science – not speculation.
Exclusive access: SAA/APA attendees and members will have the first industry access to embargoed materials highlighting findings from this year’s Urban Science Dealership Transformation Index (DTI). The DTI provides a snapshot of dealers’ and the auto-buying public’s evolving views of the traditional dealership network through research conducted alongside The Harris Poll.
Attendees will also receive first industry access to an electric vehicle (EV) sales-trend microstudy rooted in Urban Science’s unrivaled industry sales data, which is updated daily.
Agenda:
8 a.m. – 9 a.m. registration, networking and continental breakfast (featuring the Cappuccino Man)
9 a.m. – 10 a.m. presentation by Urban Science
10 a.m. – 11 a.m. panel discussion + Q&A
Speakers will include:

Simon Bradley
Global Practice Director, Network
Urban Science

Thomas Kondrat
Global Lead, Advanced Analytics
Urban Science

Data and insights from the Urban Science/Harris Poll Research and Urban Science EV-sales microstudy will include:
Dealer relevance

2024 Dealer Transformation Index year-over-year movement and trends
Improving consumer perception of (dealer) future readiness and relevance
Return of dealer optimism

Consumer journey

Omnichannel shopping expectations
Role of traditional dealerships
Digital retailing and the rise of AI
Connected-car technology and related adoption preferences
Generational purchasing trends and perceptions

The EV future

Consumer perceptions of EV readiness, plus barriers and purchase considerations
Urban Science analysis of EV adoption/sales trends

Interesting/surprising hot spots
States/regions leading the pack

The power of EV forecasting for OEM and dealer strategic planning

Case study on charge station optimization to meet local capacity and convenience gaps

Urban Science is the only company in the world that has industrywide sales data that’s updated daily; this uniquely positions the company to help its clients – OEMs and dealers, and the AdTech firms that support them – to achieve cohesion and clarity, and quick, decisive decision-making. While the depth, accuracy and speed of Urban Science’s data are simply unmatched, that’s only part of what makes the company unique. Its people, also known as Urban Scientists, are some of the industry’s leading experts. At this event, they’ll present insights and perspectives that will better position OEMs and dealers to make decisions with the power of science, not speculation.
This event is free to attend, but registration is required.
Parking will be validated for attendees.

YPN Networking Event at Prefix Corp.
2024-05-09 16:30 - 19:00 | Prefix Corporation, 1400 S Livernois Road, Rochester Hills, MI, 48307, United States
Prefix Corporation began in 1979 as an engineering services company, developing innovative design and engineering solutions for the automotive industry. Today the company operates multiple facilities in Michigan and has become a single-source American manufacturing, prototype, and concept vehicle solutions provider to automotive, aviation, motion picture, amusement, and various additional industries.
Join the YPN for an informative tour of Prefix, and enjoy networking with food and drinks afterward.
Agenda:

4:30 p.m. – Doors open with drinks and snacks.
5:00 p.m. – Presentation consisting of history and examples of their work from entertainment park space, aerospace, and automotive.
5:30 p.m. – Facility Tour
6:15 p.m.-7:00 p.m. – Food, drinks and networking

There is no cost to attend for YPN members, but registration is required.
Click here to become a YPN member.

Coffee Break with Foley & Lardner: Supplier Risk from EV Delayed Programs
2024-05-22 11:00 - 11:15
Featuring SAA’s Exclusive Legal Partner:

Many automotive suppliers face ongoing uncertainty and risk from automakers’ EV programs. Delays in EV production or investment have compelled some suppliers to request volume guarantees or other protections in customer contracts. This coffee break will provide an overview of the mounting risk of EV programs and what automotive suppliers need to watch out for.Many automotive suppliers face ongoing uncertainty and risk from automakers’ EV programs. Delays in EV production or investment have compelled some suppliers to request volume guarantees or other protections in customer contracts. This coffee break will provide an overview of the mounting risk of EV programs and what automotive suppliers need to watch out for.
Speakers:

Ann Marie Uetz
Partner
Foley & Lardner

Steve Wybo
Senior Managing Director and Automotive Practice Group Leader
Riveron

The Coffee Break is free to attend, but registration is required.

Chinese EVs and the Trend Toward Global Automotive Modular Evolution
2024-06-20 08:00 - 11:00 | Caresoft Global, 31770 Enterprise Drive, Livonia, MI, 48150, United States
SAA’s event last year at Caresoft was a smash hit as attendees had the opportunity to see up and close the teardown and benchmarking of numerous EVs. This year, the event plans to be even better as Caresoft will showcase six Chinese EVs, along with numerous domestic models. You won’t want to miss this event.
Chinese EVs on Display:

BYD Seagull
Zeekr X
Xpeng G6
Leapmotor C10
Hozon Aya
Avatar 12

PLUS, 15+ Domestic EVs benchmarked and parts on display, including:
GMC Hummer EV, Rivian R1T, Tesla Model Y, Lucid Air, Great Wall Pao, Renault Megane, Toyota bZ4X, Volkswagen ID4, Ford Mach-E, MG MG4, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Tesla Model S Plaid
Agenda:
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Registration, Networking, and Continental Breakfast
9:00 — 11:00 a.m. Talk to the Experts…Presentations and Tours

This event is sold out.

Lunch & Learn Webinar -- Untethered: The Transformative Power of Wireless EV Charging
2024-06-26 12:00 - 13:00
We are witnessing what is arguably the biggest transformation in our lifetime – the electrification of cars – and we’re putting a cord into where there never was one before. We’re going backwards! Why?
WiTricity CTO Morris Kesler will delve into how improving the charging ecosystem will improve our environment and our daily lives by:

Improving the charging experience so people don’t even think about it
Enabling autonomy – and not just for robotaxis but in other uses
Helping the grid thrive by maximizing the potential of EVs – the energy storage on wheels – to reshape our energy landscape

Presenter:
Morris Kesler
CTO, WiTricity

To learn more, check out these videos:

This EV charges wirelessly!
How easy could it be to charge your EV?
Autonomous buses fueled by wireless charging

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

Coffee Break with Foley & Lardner: Combating Internal and External IP Leakage
2024-08-21 11:00 - 11:15
Featuring SAA’s Exclusive Legal Partner:

Intellectual Property (IP) leakage poses a significant threat to maintaining competitive advantages in the marketplace. This presentation will identify the primary sources of IP leakage and offer effective strategies that stakeholders can implement to safeguard their IP and enhance their competitive edge.
Presenters:
Marcus Sprow
Partner
Foley & Lardner LLP

Robert Okonowski
Senior Counsel
Foley & Lardner LLP

There is no cost to attend this Coffee Break session, but registration is required.

YPN Event at M1 Concourse...Hot Laps, Dinner and More!
2024-09-05 16:00 - 19:00 | M1 Concourse, 1 Concourse Drive, Pontiac, Michigan, 48341, United States
Space is Limited!
You must be a YPN member to attend. Click here to join the YPN.

Automotive Update 2024: Hosted by ACG Detroit, in Partnership with the SAA and Riveron
2024-09-10 16:30 - 19:00 | Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Rd., Grosse Pointe Shores, MI, 48236, United States
Held in partnership with:

Spinbetter Casino – recenzja dla graczy z Polski
Podsumowanie
Spinbetter Casino to nowoczesna platforma, która łączy szeroką bibliotekę gier z szybkim systemem płatności i przejrzystymi zasadami promocji. Serwis jest w pełni responsywny, działa płynnie na smartfonach i komputerach, a intuicyjne menu ułatwia nawigację nawet nowym użytkownikom.
Biblioteka gier
W lobby znajdziesz kilka tysięcy tytułów: sloty (w tym megaways, hold & win, „buy bonus”), jackpoty, ruletkę i blackjacka oraz rozbudowane live casino z profesjonalnymi krupierami. Wyszukiwarka i filtry (dostawca, funkcja, RTP, stawki) pomagają szybko zawęzić wybór. Gry ładują się sprawnie, a sekcja „Nowości” jest regularnie aktualizowana.
Bonusy i turnieje
Oferta promocyjna jest skonstruowana przejrzyście: bonus powitalny, cotygodniowe reloady, darmowe spiny i cashback. Warunki (wagering, maksymalna stawka podczas obrotu, czas ważności) są opisane jasno przy każdej promocji. Do tego dochodzą cykliczne turnieje z dynamicznymi pulami nagród i codzienne „drops & wins”.
Płatności (PLN)
Platforma wspiera lokalne metody: BLIK, szybkie przelewy online i popularne e-portfele; dostępne są także kryptowaluty dla ceniących prywatność. Wypłaty po weryfikacji KYC realizowane są sprawnie, a status każdej operacji widać w panelu użytkownika. Spójność danych z dokumentami znacząco przyspiesza cashouty.
Bezpieczeństwo i odpowiedzialna gra
Połączenia są szyfrowane (SSL), a gry oparte o certyfikowany RNG zapewniają uczciwą losowość. W panelu dostępne są limity depozytów, czasomierze sesji i samowykluczenie. Dodatkowo warto włączyć 2FA oraz korzystać z menedżera haseł.
Obsługa klienta
Support reaguje szybko i rzeczowo, z naciskiem na konkretne rozwiązania problemów (KYC, weryfikacje transakcji, technikalia). Dostępny jest czat na żywo i pomoc mailowa; sekcja FAQ odpowiada na najczęstsze pytania.
Dla kogo jest Spinbetter?
Dla graczy, którzy oczekują szerokiego wyboru gier, szybkich wypłat w PLN i czytelnych zasad bonusów, Spinbetter Casino będzie solidnym wyborem. Stabilność działania, regularne aktualizacje i lokalne metody płatności przekładają się na komfort codziennej rozgrywki i długoterminową satysfakcję.

It’s been another active year in the automotive industry, and there are many questions about how the industry will move forward into 2025 and beyond. Join us as we break down the impact that EV pullbacks, excess manufacturing capacity, election outcomes, and capital markets are having on the entire industry.
Speakers:

Steven Wybo

Riveron
Senior Managing Director
Steven is a senior managing director with over 20 years of experience in providing turnaround, reorganization, M&A, and financial advisory services to distressed and underperforming companies. Steve specializes in insolvency/bankruptcy matters, turnaround and crisis management, profit enhancement, mergers and acquisitions, business valuation, raising of debt/equity capital, and liquidations both in and out of court. He has also served as an interim chief financial officer, chief restructuring officer, interim chief operating officer, treasurer, and court-appointed receiver for several middle market clients. In prior roles, Steve was a senior associate at PwC, specializing in financial service compliance, investment banking in technology and other service industries, and automotive industry financing, including debt offerings, securitizations, and private placements.

Mike Wall

S&P Global Mobility
Executive Director, Automotive Analysis
Mike brings more than two decades of financial analysis, forecasting, consulting and manufacturing experience to S&P Global Mobility, with a primary focus on assisting automakers, suppliers and financial firms in their evaluation and understanding of the auto industry, as well as in-depth analysis of vehicle markets and technology trends. Mike is quoted frequently in the media on various automotive topics, and he regularly delivers presentations on the outlook for the automotive industry to company executives, financial investors and other interest groups, including past work with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization in Vienna, Austria. Mike graduated summa cum laude with an undergraduate degree in finance and later earned the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation.

Laurie Harbour
Principal, Manufacturing, Retail and Distribution
Wipfli
Laurie has more than 35 years of manufacturing and consulting experience. Before joining Wipfli, she was the co-owner of Harbour Results, Inc., and she has spent her career helping clients develop strategies, improve operations, reduce risk, and optimize business performance. Clients benefit from Laurie’s ability to work with leadership teams to assess the current state of their business and provide strategic and operation recommendations for improvement. Laurie’s specialties include: Business Strategy, Leadership Development, Operational Improvement, Benchmarking, Sales Strategy, and Talent Management.

Clay Vanderpool (Moderator)

PNC Business Credit
Senior Vice President- Native American Gaming Division
Clay is a Senior Vice President for PNC Bank, working with their Native American Finance Division, where he focuses on financing gaming and non-gaming economic development efforts for Tribes across the lower 48. Before the Native American Finance role, Clay worked for PNC Business Credit, where he financed LBOs, dividend recapitalizations, ESOPs, high growth, turnarounds, and cyclical businesses seeking flexibility and durability. He has spent nearly 20 years in Banking and finance and has also gained considerable experience serving as Treasurer of the Board for Waseyabek Development Company (a tribally owned economic diversification company) and as Managing Director for DWH, LLC a boutique Financial Advisory firm focused on M&A growth and succession strategies as well as turnaround and restructuring strategies.

SAA Members $115 • Non-members $155

Share This:

Coffee Break with Plante Moran -- Supplier EV Transition Challenges: Volume Volatility & Capital Repayment
2024-09-11 11:00 - 11:15
As the automotive industry accelerates towards electrification, suppliers are navigating through a sea of challenges, including the issue of volume volatility and capital repayment. The experts at Plante Moran will delve into the complexities of fluctuating electric vehicle volumes that fall below OEM initial projections, further complicating the landscape of capital repayment strategies. Topics to be addressed include:

Explore the current trends and projections in EV volume.
Discuss the implications of volume volatility on supplier operations and financial health.
Offer insights into effective capital repayment approaches amidst these fluctuations.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable perspectives that could steer your supplier strategies toward success in the evolving EV market.

The Coffee Break is free to attend, but registration is required.

Lunch & Learn Webinar: Steer-By-Wire + Software Solutions -- Enabling Advanced Safety, Performance & Convenience for Future Mobility
2024-09-17 12:00 - 13:00
As our industry explores different paths toward connected, automated and electric or mixed propulsion vehicle platforms, it needs innovative technologies that can overcome challenges associated with these megatrends — and make good business sense.
Steer-by-Wire (SbW) – combined with advanced software solutions – helps overcome challenges in vehicle design, safety, brand differentiation and more by enabling advanced features and functionality not possible with traditional steering systems.
Join the SAA on Sept. 17 and learn how to achieve:
• Advanced Safety, Performance & Convenience Attainable Only via Steer-By-Wire & Software Functions
• Cost Savings Through Software Standardization & Steer-By-Wire Component Reuse Across Platforms
• Revolutionary Smart Cockpit Design, Packaging Freedom & Brand Differentiation
• Groundbreaking & Personalized Behind-the-Wheel Experiences Over the Vehicle’s Lifetime
Presenters:
Alan Davis
Product Line Executive Director, Steer-by-Wire
Nexteer Automotive

Peter Schmitt
Product Line Executive Director, Software Products
Nexteer Automotive

Moderated by:
Jamie Butters
Executive Editor
Automotive News

This event is free but registration is required.

Navigating the Future: Corporate Venture Capital in the Automotive Industry
2024-09-26 17:00 - 19:00 | Magna Innovation Showroom, 750 Tower Dr, Troy, MI, 48098, United States
Hosted by:

Join us for an engaging fireside chat between Joe Tenbusch, Investment Manager at Magna International and Chairman of SAA YPN, and Jeff Johnson, Principal at Plante Moran and President of the Society of Automotive Analysts’ Young Professionals Network.
This conversation will delve into the dynamic world of corporate venture capital (CVC) within the automotive industry, highlighting emerging trends in corporate investing and Magna International’s strategic approach to investments.
This fireside chat will provide a comprehensive look at the intersection of corporate venture capital and the automotive industry, offering valuable insights for investors, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals alike
Registration is free for YPN members.

Thanks to our sponsor!

Impact of AI in the Automotive Transformation (webinar)
2024-10-15 12:00 - 13:00
The automotive industry has been undergoing a significant transformation and will now be supported by advancements in AI. This panel brings together thought leaders and industry experts from various sectors, including a new-age OEM, Tier 1 supplier, and a leading technology provider, to discuss how AI is reshaping various aspects of the automotive sector, from product development and manufacturing to customer experience and operational efficiencies.
Topics to be Covered:

The role of AI in digital engineering and product design
AI-driven innovations in connected and autonomous vehicles
Enhancing customer experience through AI-powered solutions
Predictive maintenance leveraging AI to extend the lifespan of vehicles
The future of AI in automotive manufacturing and supply chain

Join us to gain valuable insights from a rich and engaging discussion on the future of AI in the automotive industry.
Speakers:

Andrew Higashi
Microsoft®
Industry Advisor, Mobility Services Leader

Kip Molchan
Lucid
Manager, Fleet Health Management & Remote Diagnostics

Benjamin Saltsman
Magna
Director, Data Analytics, Simulation and IOT

Moderated by:
Jamie Butters
Automotive News
Executive Editor

Free for SAA members
$49 for non-SAA members — includes one-year SAA membership (a $150 value)

Ipsos Disruption Webinar Series: Will the Personal Vehicle Ever Be Supplanted?
2024-11-12 12:00 - 13:00
Alternative mobility options are slowly seeping into our daily lives. Personally owned bikes and scooters, public transportation, and shared mobility services all have their own benefits and use cases. But can they provide enough benefits to outweigh the ubiquity and convenience of a personally owned vehicle? And if so, what does that world look like?
Join Ipsos as it uncovers the industry’s present and future, leveraging its New Vehicle Customer Satisfaction (NVCS) and Navigator syndicated studies to highlight the challenges and opportunities facing mobility across every available mode of transportation.
In this game-changing webinar, Ipsos will explore:

Current usage and future interest in 16+ mobility modes
Consideration of supplanting a personal vehicle for alt. transportation
Overall attitudes and experiences regarding personal vehicles and the car-buying process
Satisfaction and pain-points about getting from place-to-place
Demographic and attitudinal shifts to project future trends in mobility habits and usage

Renee Slocum
Senior Strategic Insights Consultant
Ipsos, Automotive & Mobility Development

Graham Gordon
Director
Ipsos, Automotive & Mobility Development

The webinars are free, but registration is required.

Ipsos Disruption Webinar Series
The mobility industry is evolving on multiple fronts. Electrified vehicles, connected cars, and emerging transportation modes are changing the way we view, experience, and understand
mobility. These disruptions have the potential to be revolutionary, but only if executed with the consumer mindset at the forefront. Leveraging Ipsos’ syndicated New Vehicle Customer Study (NVCS) and Navigator studies, we will uncover the knowledge needed to propel the industry forward with confidence and clarity. Join us in 2024 for three webinars outlining today’s and tomorrow’s mobility trends.
If you missed the previous two webinars in this series, you can watch them by going to the “Presentations” tab in the Members Section of www.SAAauto.com.

The webinars are free, but registration is required.

Coffee Break: Post-Election Results for the Automotive Industry
2024-11-20 11:00 - 11:15
Join Foley & Lardner’s Public Affairs team for an outlook presentation on post-election results for the automotive industry. Topics will include EV and other energy tax incentives as well as impacts on the corporate tax rate, supply chain and trade/tariffs, outbound and inbound investments, AI regulation and other potential outcomes of the election results.
Register now to secure your spot for this 15-minute Coffee Break session.
Speakers:
John Strom
Special Counsel

Katie Schoettler
Public Affairs Director

Attendance is free, but registration is required.

Coffee Break: Industry Trends to Watch for in 2025
2024-12-04 11:00 - 11:15
As the upcoming election promises to impact the automotive landscape, join us for an insightful webinar on the Top 5 Industry Trends to Watch for post-election in 2025! Plante Moran experts will delve into key trends and provide actionable strategies to navigate the new environment. Don’t miss this opportunity to equip your organization with the knowledge and tools needed for success in 2025 and beyond. Register now to secure your spot for this 15-minute Coffee Break session.

Attending the Coffee Break is free, but registration is required.

YPN Happy Hour Examining 2025 Industry Trends
2024-12-05 17:00 - 19:00 | Craft Beww City, 27843 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, MI, 48334, United States
2025 Industry Trends — Continuing the Conversation
Join the SAA and YPN for an insightful Coffee Break webinar on the Top 5 Industry Trends to Watch for post-election in 2025! Our experts will delve into key trends and provide actionable strategies to navigate the new environment. Don’t miss this opportunity to equip your organization with the knowledge and tools needed for success in 2025 and beyond. Click here to register for the 15-minute Coffee Break on December 4.
Then, on December 5, join others from the YPN for an end-of-the-year Happy Hour at Craft Breww City in Farmington Hills, MI. In addition to great networking, attendees will be able to hear more from Plante Moran’s Auston Biskner on 2025 industry trends to watch for.
Featured Speaker:
Austin Biskner
Senior Manager, Management Consulting
Strategy & Operations, Plante Moran

Thanks to our sponsor:

Food and Drink on Us!
Attending the Happy Hour is free for YPN members, but registration is required.

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

The Forces and Trends Shaping Consumer Behavior: An Ipsos Global Trends Toolkit for SAA (Webinar)
2025-02-19 12:00 - 13:30
What does the future hold for the automotive industry? The answer might just surprise you because it can’t be found simply by looking at sales projections and the latest news on EV adoption and influencers—it’s just as important to take a step back and look at how the world is changing around us and how that impacts what people see, feel, and do.
It’s equally important to look at your consumers not just at the moment when they’re considering a new car or taking a test drive, but who they are as people in all their complexity and richness to understand their motivations. That’s why the Ipsos Global Trends aren’t just another trend report – they’re a consumer-centric toolkit you can use to understand future consumer needs so that you can better design vehicles and services to meet those needs when the future arrives. We’ll share the top trends and forces you should be paying attention to and a sneak peek at how to use them to become more future-facing.
Presenter:

Jennifer Bender is the Global Head of Trends & Foresight at Ipsos, where she sets the agenda for trends and futures consulting with clients and leads the annual Ipsos Global Trends study. In her decade of experience in trends and foresight consulting, she has worked across numerous industries and brings that cross-industry experience to bear for clients in helping them see unexpected connections and inspiration from outside their categories

After the webinar, attendees will receive a link to the Ipsos Global Trends site that can be used to download the report.
Attendance is free, but registration is required.

Coffee Break: Examining the Implications of Mergers and Acquisitions
2025-03-12 11:00 - 11:15
Join the SAA on March 12, 2025, for our next Coffee Break. These 15-minute sessions provide high-level overviews of some of the industry’s hottest topics.
Industry experts from Plante Moran will examine the implications of consolidations and mergers in the automotive industry. Amid the ongoing discussions between Honda and Nissan, Plante Moran will offer a perspective on the OEM consolidation landscape and its implications for suppliers.

There is no cost to attend but registration is required.

AI -- Hear from Microsoft on the Latest
2025-03-13 16:30 - 19:30 | HopCat, 430 South Main Street, Royal Oak, MI, 48067, United States

Electrification's Turbulent But Certain Path
2025-03-21 08:00 - 10:00 | MVP Collaborative, 950 Stephenson Highway, Suite 100, Troy, MI, 48083, United States
Held in conjunction with:

Bob Lee, president of LG Energy Solution North America, will briefly cover the market outlook for EVs in North America while addressing challenges to achieve higher growth and how they can be overcome from the perspective of one of the world’s top advanced automotive battery manufacturers.
Attendees will learn about:

The current state of EV adoption
How LG Energy Solution plans to advance electrification
Places to deploy lithium-ion batteries beyond the auto industry
Areas of opportunity for EV manufacturers and cell makers to support market expansion

Agenda:
8 am – 9 am: Registration, Networking and Continental Breakfast
9 am – 10 am: Presentation and Q&A
Speaker:
Speaker:
Robert H. Lee
President, LG Energy Solution N.A

Moderator:
Jeff Gilbert
Auto Reporter, WWJ Newsradio

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

Real World Application of Technologies Unlocking Safe Autonomy at Scale
2025-04-08 07:45 - 12:00 | American Center for Mobility, 2701 Airport Drive, Ypsilanti Twp., MI, 48198, United States
Held in conjunction with:

The commercial deployment of autonomous systems has been slower and more challenging than anticipated, even in select cities with weather conditions favorable for autonomous driving. Many robotaxi programs have been scaled back, delayed, or canceled, while L2+ passenger vehicles remain largely confined to high-end price points.
Yet, industry leaders are successfully building and deploying Level 3 autonomous vehicles that operate safely across diverse environments and at consumer-friendly price points.
Join this session to engage in live discussions and demonstrations of innovative positioning technologies and system architectures that are enabling safe autonomy at scale.
Attendees will:

Learn how Auto OEMs and suppliers are deploying Level 3 autonomous vehicles that operate safely across diverse environments
See a demonstration of positioning technologies and system architectures that are reducing the cost and complexity of HD maps and enabling advanced levels of autonomy safely and at scale
Learn how the cloud is being leveraged in accordance with ISO 26262 – for the first time – to accelerate safety at scale

Experience the technology firsthand!
Test your navigation skills by driving a vehicle through an obstacle course using only a navigation app powered by precision GNSS. No windows, no mirrors—just the groundbreaking power of high-accuracy satellite positioning.
Agenda
7:45 – 8:45am – Morning registration, coffee & networking
8:45 – 9:00am – Welcome remarks
9:00 – 10:00am – Moderated Panel discussion
10:00 – 10:30am – Audience Q&A/discussion
10:30 – 12:00pm – Demonstrations offered immediately following with networking and brunch occurring in parallel
Speakers:
Curtis Hay
General Motors
Technical Fellow
Vehicle Location

Daniela Steinbacher
Bosch
Program Director

James Tidd
Swift Navigation
Vice President of Systems Engineering

Mark Barrott
Plante Moran
Partner

Moderator:
Gary Vasilash
Automotive observer and Co-Host, Autoline After Hours

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

Exclusive Tour of Roush
2025-05-08 15:30 - 18:30 | Rousch Building 50, 28200 Plymouth Road, Livonia, MI, 48150, United States
This event is free for YPN members. Not a member? Join today by clicking here.
