Society of Automotive Analysts

Coffee Break: Industry Trends to Watch for in 2025
2024-12-04 11:00 - 11:15 (America/New_York) | 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)

YPN Happy Hour at Mex
2025-11-13 17:00 - 19:30 | Mex, 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI, 48301, United States
This event is free for SAA’s YPN members. No worries if you are not a member. Join the YPN for free today by clicking here.

Automotive Disruption and Trends (Webinar)
2025-11-20 12:00 - 13:00 | MI
EV Evolution: Driving Forward Despite Tariff Challenges
Please join Ipsos and SAA for a discussion on the future of mobility based on insights from the 2025 Ipsos Navigator Study.
This annual study encompasses findings from the U.S., Germany, and China, diving into the latest trends and disruptions reshaping the automotive industry today!
This free webinar will focus primarily on what U.S. consumers think about EVs, other alternative powertrains, and select cutting-edge Drive Assist Technologies of today and tomorrow.
Since 2017, the Ipsos Navigator has been the go-to source for understanding consumer attitudes on automotive disruptions and trends.
We hope you will join us again this year as we continue to explore consumers’ views on our evolving automotive world.
Dr. Thomas M. Fojcik
Director
Automotive & Mobility, Ipsos Germany

Finn Kuckuck
Research Executive
Automotive & Mobility, Ipsos Germany

Hosted by:
Graham Gordon
Director, Automotive & Mobility
Ipsos US

This event is free, but registration is required.

Coffee Break: Update Regarding Critical Legal Developments Shaping the Automotive Industry
2025-12-02 11:00 - 11:15 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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

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

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