Chinese EVs and the Trend Toward Global Automotive Modular Evolution
2024-06-20 08:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | 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 | MI
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 | MI
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:

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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

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Coffee Break with Plante Moran -- Supplier EV Transition Challenges: Volume Volatility & Capital Repayment
2024-09-11 11:00 - 11:15 | MI
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 | MI
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 | MI
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 | MI
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 | MI
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 | MI
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 | MI
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 | MI
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.

16th Annual SAA/MEMA Original Equipment Purchasing Summit
2025-05-20 08:00 - 12:00 | Marelli, 26555 Northwestern Highway,, Southfield, MI, 48033, United States
Content is protected.

Coffee Break: Supplier Risk from EV Delayed Programs
2025-05-29 11:00 - 11:15 | MI
This coffee break will provide an overview of the mounting risk of EV programs and what automotive suppliers need to watch.
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.
Speakers include:
Ann Marie Uetz
Partner, Foley & Lardner

Steve Wybo
Senior Managing Director, Riveron

There is no cost to attend but registration is required.

The Road Ahead – Innovation, Investment, and the Next Era of Mobility
2025-06-05 07:45 - 12:30 | FORVIA North America, 2800 High Meadow Circle, Auburn Hills, MI, 48326, United States
Hosted by:

Explore the Future of the Automotive Industry with Top Experts and Decision-Makers
The mobility industry is at an inflection point. As electrification, autonomy, and software-defined vehicles take center stage, what comes next? The Road Ahead brings together the industry’s top executives, investors, and innovators to navigate the shifting landscape and uncover opportunities in manufacturing, investment, and emerging mobility solutions.
Join us for an exclusive, content-rich event where thought leaders will discuss the latest advancements in global automotive innovation—examining everything from the rise of Chinese OEMs to the strategies driving U.S. manufacturing competitiveness. With insights from leading investors, manufacturers, and subject matter experts, this event is essential for those looking to stay ahead in an evolving industry.
Agenda Highlights:
Keynote: “Chinese OEMs: Innovating the Future of Mobility”
Terry Woychowski, President at Caresoft Global, will explore how Chinese automakers are setting the pace in EV innovation, software-defined vehicles, and manufacturing efficiency—and what Western companies can learn from their approach.
Fireside Chat: “Investment Strategies in Mobility”
Industry investors, including Jessica Robinson (Assembly Ventures) and Justin Steil (MiddleGround Capital), will discuss where capital is flowing beyond electrification and the evolving role of corporate and independent venture capital.
Panel: “What’s Next for Mobility After Electrification and Autonomy?”
Experts from Hella, Indie Semiconductor, Assembly Ventures, and Bank of America will discuss the next frontier in mobility.
Panel: “Manufacturing in the U.S.: Reviving Competitiveness and Innovation”
A deep dive into how the U.S. can reclaim its leadership in automotive manufacturing, featuring perspectives from Forvia, Caresoft Global, Sino Auto Insights, and Detroit Manufacturing Systems.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry leaders and shape the future of mobility.
Agenda:

7:45 a.m. – Registration and Networking Breakfast
8:30 a.m. – Opening Remarks
8:45 a.m. – Keynote Presentation
9:15 a.m. – Fireside Chat
10:15 a.m. – Break
10:30 a.m. – Panel Discussion #1
11:30 a.m. – Panel Discussion #2
12:30 pm. – Closing Remarks

Speakers Include:

Jessica Robinson, Partner, Assembly Ventures
Justin Steil, Partner, MiddleGround Capital
Stephane Prince, Vice President Operations North America, Foriva
Jamie Butters, Executive Editor, Automotive News
Terry Woychowski, President, Caresoft Global
Tu Le, Managing Director, Sino Auto Insights
Patrick Sheposh, EVP, Head of US Automotive Team, Ipsos
Donald McClymont, CEO, Indie Semiconductor
Ann Marie Uetz, Partner, Foley & Lardner
John Murphy, Managing Director, Bank of America
Scott Cieslak, EVP Sales, Purchasing, & Strategy, Detroit Manufacturing Systems
Manoj Singh, Global Product Line Director and Body Control Segment Head North and South America, FORVIA HELLA

Mike Jackson, Executive Director, Strategy & Research, MEMA

SAA members: $49
Non-members: $149 (includes one-year SAA membership)

Disrupted: The New Competitive Reality in Automotive
2025-06-20 08:00 - 11:00 | Caresoft Global, 31770 Enterprise Drive, Livonia, MI, 48150, United States
Hosted by:

U.S. and legacy OEMs and suppliers are facing immense pressures today — not just from policy shifts like tariffs but from a new wave of highly competitive and fast-moving international players. Join the SAA and Caresoft Global for a timely discussion exploring the broader forces shaping today’s automotive landscape, focusing on China’s emerging dominance in vehicle design, technology, vehicle development speed, and speed to market.
This session will address:

Why tariffs aren’t the only story—and what is
Key takeaways from the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show
Chinese OEMs are achieving better features, lower prices, and faster innovation cycles

How, Why, “What does it mean?”

Actionable insights: Competitive Benchmarking, Cultural & Organizational shifts, “What can we do?”

Featured speaker:

Terry Woychowski

President, Caresoft Global

$49 for SAA members; $149 for non-members (includes 1-year SAA membership)
Attendees must wear pants and closed-toe shoes; no photography will be allowed.

Lunch & Learn Webinar: Bridging Auto Opportunities: Gordie Howe International Bridge Coming Soon
2025-08-20 12:00 - 13:00 | MI
With construction nearing completion, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will soon add another crossing option between Ontario and Michigan through the Windsor-Detroit corridor. The new six-lane bridge will provide additional crossing capacity, advanced onsite processing facilities, and highway-to-highway connectivity, delivering unparalleled benefits for supply chains, industry, and commercial users moving goods through this key trade corridor. Join Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority representatives to learn more about key amenities and features that will enhance the automotive supply chain following opening day.
Presenter: Heather Grondin
Heather Grondin has 20 years of experience, specializing in strategic planning, communications, and engagement. As part of diverse public-sector teams working on high-profile projects and portfolios, Heather’s consistent goal has been to build meaningful relationships based on trust, openness, and understanding. Holding the executive position of Chief Relations Officer at Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) since 2015, Heather leads an integrated team of professionals who inform, inspire, and interact with others in support of WDBA and the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.

Held in partnership with:

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

YPN Event: Dinner and Hot Laps at the M1 Concourse
2025-09-11 16:00 - 19:00 | MI Concourse, 1 Concourse Drive, Pontiac, MI, 48341, United States
There is no cost to attend for YPN members, but registration is required.

Click here to join the YPN for free if you are not yet a member.

Coffee Break: The Fast Lane Series -- Automotive Update
2025-09-18 11:00 - 11:15 | MI
Join Ann Marie Uetz and Steve Wybo each quarter for an automotive update as they bring you the latest automotive trends to keep you in the know and help you make confident decisions. Think of this as your go-to strategic briefing to help navigate the complex legal and financial automotive landscape.

Speakers:

Ann Marie Uetz
Partner
Foley & Lardner

Steve Wybo
Senior Managing Director
Riveron

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

Coffee Break: How Are Vehicle Manufacturers Leveraging KPIT’s Left Shift Strategy for Cost Reduction?
2025-10-16 11:00 - 11:15 | MI
KPIT’s Left Shift validation strategy enables early-stage testing, reducing costly late-stage fixes. Faster validation leads to quicker time-to-market and improved product quality. This 15-minute Coffee Break brings you a smarter, leaner path to automotive innovation.
Click here for more information on KPIT.

The event is free to attend, but registration is required.

Lunch & Learn Webinar: Software-Defined Chassis -- How By-Wire Tech Unlocks New Levels of Performance, Safety and Efficiency
2025-10-21 12:00 - 13:00 | MI
Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and the introduction of ‘by-wire’ technologies mark a transformative new era in mobility – where software is not just an enabler, but the core driver of vehicle innovation and value.
By-wire technologies, such as Steer-by-Wire, Rear-Wheel Steering, and Brake-by-Wire, are accelerating the shift to the software-defined chassis – delivering significant cost savings, speed-to-market, plus enabling breakthroughs in next-gen safety and performance. It’s a bold leap forward, giving OEMs the power to reimagine how vehicles move, “think” and enhance the driver’s connection to the road.
Join us for this webinar to explore how:

By-wire technologies combine the scalability of standardized hardware with the flexibility of software — enabling reduced costs, speed-to-market, and customizable driving.
Advanced E/E architectures pave the road to by-wire adoption while OEM-Supplier collaboration shifts and accelerates advancements.
Software + by-wire tech + OTA updates = immersive, branded experiences that excite drivers and get even better over time.

Presenters:

Geoff Krieger
Executive Director
Steer-by-Wire Product Line
Nexteer Automotive

Michael Hales
Executive Director of R&D
Nexteer Automotive

Mauricio Dominguez
Research Analyst
Chassis Team
S&P Global Mobility

Moderator:
David Welch
Detroit Bureau Chief
Bloomberg

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

Lunch & Learn Webinar: Disruptions from Tariffs, Changing Regulatory Stances, and the Product-Development Shifts at the Automakers
2025-11-05 12:00 - 13:15 | MI
Automotive companies must pursue wholesale transformation of their operations if they hope to survive the existential level of disruptions hitting the industry today, from tariffs and other geopolitical actions to less-than-expected electric-vehicle sales to the continued rise of many hyper-competitive Chinese auto companies, regionalization pressures, supply constraints, ADAS opportunities, and software-defined vehicle architectures.
Join the SAA on Nov. 5 for a free Lunch & Learn webinar featuring Mark Wakefield of AlixPartners as he examines the issues facing the automotive industry.
Featured Speaker:
Mark Wakefield
Automotive Market Lead
AlixPartners

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

9th Annual Materials Innovation Summit
2025-11-13 07:45 - 11:45 | Munro & Associates, 1140 Centre Road, Auburn Hills, MI, 48326, United States
Hosted by:

In partnership with:

Lightweighting that enhances efficiency is powertrain agnostic. Whether it’s an all-ICE powertrain, a BEV, or anything in between, the use of lightweight materials is pivotal in achieving the greatest range, the highest performance, the lowest emissions, all while balancing costs for the consumer. Recent changes to CAFE regulations and the ability to impose civil penalties are at the crossroads of material selection.
Join us as we bring together a panel of experts representing Aluminum, Composites, Magnesium, and Steel components and solutions to share their views on how lightweight materials are differentiators and their evolution.
Speakers:
Justin Mirro
Chairman
Munro & Associates

Material Trends in Mobility
Abey Abraham
Managing Principal of Automotive & Materials
Ducker Carlisle

Steel Industry
Paul Belanger
VP of BIW R&D North America
Gestamp

Aluminum Industry
Darren Womack
Department Manager, R&D
Magna

Magnesium Industry
Tim Zurrer
Director of Project Development
Magrathea

Composite/Plastics Industry
Matt Parkinson, Ph.D.
Head of Technical Development,
Engineering and PPA Business Development NA
BASF

Q & A Moderated by:
Mike Martinez
Reporter
Automotive News

Innovations In Lightweighting Award
Finalist Presentations and Award Announcement

Networking Continental Breakfast: 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Presentations and Awards: 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

FREE for members
$75 for non-members, includes 1-year SAA membership (normally $150)
