The Latest SAA Newsletter
Register Today for “Decisions That Will Shape the Next Decade of Automotive: A Conversation with Magna CEO Swamy Kotagiri”
Join the Automotive Press Association and the Society of Automotive Analysts on June 9 for a moderated conversation with Magna CEO Swamy Kotagiri on how automotive leaders are making critical decisions in a more uncertain, capital‑constrained environment.
As the industry balances near‑term performance with the need to invest in what’s next, Swamy will share Magna’s perspective on how shifting demand, evolving supply chains, and regional dynamics are reshaping decision‑making in real time—across customers, programs, and markets. The session will take the form of a fireside chat moderated by Nora Eckert of Reuters, followed by audience Q&A.
Click here for more information and to register.
Next Coffee Break Provides a Midyear Review of the Automotive Industry
Join the SAA on June 10 for an insightful 15-minute Coffee Break for a brief midyear check‑in on the automotive industry. Experts from Plante Moran will share a market forecast and explore how electrification continues to influence industry direction as the year unfolds. Grab a cup of coffee and tune in for a timely perspective on where the market stands and what to watch next.
There is no cost to attend but registration is required. Click here for more information and to register.
Foley’s 2026 AI in Manufacturing & Supply Chain
The manufacturing and supply chain sector is rapidly transforming as AI, automation, and connected technologies are embedded into core operations amid global uncertainty, tighter regulation, and rising demands for resilience and visibility. While these advances enable predictive, data-driven models, they also introduce new legal, cybersecurity, workforce, and liability risks that require careful planning and foresight. The 2026 AI in Manufacturing & Supply Chain Series offers targeted insights on contracts, data, intellectual property, cybersecurity, compliance, and AI-driven liability to help organizations adopt AI responsibly and sustainably.
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Drive Impact with AI: Practical First Steps for Business Leaders
Cut through AI hype with practical guidance on where to start, what to prioritize, and how to assess readiness in your organization. This CPE-eligible webinar, presented by Plante Moran, will walk through real-world use cases and help you evaluate opportunities based on impact and feasibility, so you can make more informed, near-term investment decisions with confidence.
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Software-Defined Vehicles: From OTA Refresh to Modular Vehicle Renewal
As the automotive industry moves from “selling a car once” to “managing a mobility asset across multiple digital lifecycles,” success increasingly depends on vehicle architecture, residual value management, refurbishment economics, and software upgradability.
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Enter the Innovations in Lightweighting Awards
Entries are now open for SAA’s annual Innovations in Lightweighting Awards – an award competition that is free and easy to enter. The deadline for entries is August 28, 2026. The winner of the award will be announced at SAA’s Material Innovations Summit on Nov. 11.
Lightweighting remains a key priority in the automotive industry as OEMs and suppliers grapple with the question of how to integrate new lightweight technologies while not adversely affecting the price of a new vehicle. Get recognition for your lightweighting innovation.
Click here for more information.
North American OEMs Improve Supplier Relations Despite Industry Volatility
For the first time in the 26-year history of Plante Moran’s Working Relations Index (WRI), all six major North American OEMs have improved their supplier relations scores, with suppliers reporting that the carmakers are becoming more communicative, accessible and collaborative.
Despite major global headwinds including tariffs, EV-related write-offs and continued supply chain disruption, Toyota, Honda, GM, Nissan, Ford and Stellantis all showed gains in their supplier relations in the 2026 WRI study. Ford had the largest year-on-year improvement, up 32 points to 223, and Toyota retained its lead amongst the OEMs with a score of 409, surpassing 400 for the first time since 2007.
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Connecting Ownership Intelligence Across a Vehicle's Lifecycle
Automakers today are expected to deliver fast, frictionless and highly personalized digital experiences from first interaction to lifelong ownership. Automotive Identity and Ownership Intelligence help you meet those expectations with trusted data, advanced identity intelligence and seamless integration into your existing workflows.
Find out why OEMs should implement a continuous ownership lifecycle approach, not just a one-time check.
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Watch Replay of APA Webinar: Automotive Market Update – Trade, Geopolitical Conflicts and Other Strategic Shifts
SAA members can watch a replay of the Automotive Press Association’s May 27 webinar: Automotive Market Update – Trade, Geopolitical Conflicts and Other Strategic Shifts. The informative webinar was presented by former SAA Board Member Michael Robinet, Vice President of Forecast Strategy and Chairman of the Global Forecast Council for S&P Global Mobility.
The webinar can be found on the SAA website in the Members Section under Presentations.
Automotive Industry Undergoing a Great Reset in 2026
It’s now a year of reckoning for the auto industry: Automakers and their suppliers are navigating the tricky business of tariffs, changing regulatory policies, the impact of war and the high cost of research and development, for starters. CEOs are increasingly answerable to governing bodies, importers, dealers and shareholders, as much as to their direct consumers. And they’re struggling to find the right balance.
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Stellantis Just Decided the Future of Its 14 Car Brands
Stellantis is reorganizing its brand structure, announcing new investments in global platforms and powertrains, and shedding more light on its partnerships with Leapmotor, Dongfeng, and Jaguar Land Rover as part of its long-term growth strategy spelled out in its FaSTLAne 2030 plan at Investor Day at the North American headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
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Internal Combustion Engines Projected to Dominate EVs Until 2040
Used vehicle buyers operate over 80 percent of cars and light trucks on U.S. roads, the vast majority of which are internal combustion engine (ICE). According to a new analysis by Lang Marketing, it’s projected to remain that way until 2040.
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Toyota Leads U.S. Auto Rankings as EV Demand Remains Limited
A new report released by YouGov, Driving brand preference: U.S. auto rankings 2026, finds that Toyota is the top automotive brand among Americans, leading competitors on overall brand health metrics, while broader market trends point to cautious adoption of electric vehicles and shifting consumer priorities.
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Why Real-World AI for Manufacturers Starts with ERP Data
AI can drive real value for manufacturers — but only when built on strong ERP systems and governed data. Plante Moran’s technology advisors share how middle-market manufacturers can apply AI pragmatically, avoid common pitfalls, and start with the foundations that make innovation sustainable.
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What the DRAM Chip Shortage Really Means for OEM Strategy in 2026
Since December, DRAM prices have risen faster than expected, up about 70% year over year for automotive LPDDR4 by January 2026, with additional increases signaled for 2026 and 2027 as supply for older generations tightens. To mitigate these challenges, automakers should focus on architecture planning, early adoption of advanced memory types, and balancing feature sets to protect margins.
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Missed Opportunities with R&D Tax Credits: Software and Technology Investments
Many businesses are surprised to learn that their software development and technology platform investments could be used to generate tax benefits via R&D tax credits. Here’s how to determine which costs are eligible. Learn more from Plante Moran’s tax credit experts.
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The Next Generation of Car Lovers are Turning Against SUVs in Favor of Sedans
No generation wants to drive what its parents drove. It feels like it has taken forever for that to start this time around, but a new report says that it's on the way. Buyers across the board, but especially younger buyers, have rediscovered the sedan and they're more interested in cars than they are trucks or SUVs.
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China’s EV Exports Surge 40 Percent in April
China’s electric vehicle exports surged 40 percent last month, bolstering its position at the top of the rapidly growing global market, customs data compiled by Bloomberg shows. Chinese EV exports hit 278,081 in April, taking overseas sales since the start of the year to 893,852, according to the data.
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China Unveils Auto Industry Blueprint to Set EV, AI Vehicle and Semiconductor Standards
China is seeking to expand its influence over the future of the global auto industry through a sweeping regulatory blueprint covering core technologies ranging from vehicle chips, AI and batteries to autonomous driving and low-carbon development.
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EV Batteries Fuel U.S., Global Automotive Project Spending
Investment in EV batteries accounts for a significant share of activity in the global automotive industry, exceeding investment even in vehicle bodies. The U.S. remains an overall investment leader, while Toyota is expected to spend the most on maintenance.
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New Vehicle Buyers Shake Off High Fuel Prices, Low Consumer Sentiment
New vehicle sales in May are expected to show a market that remains relatively stable in the face of economic uncertainty and an ongoing war in the Middle East. The seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of sales is forecast by Cox Automotive to finish near 16.1 million. The expected sales pace is an improvement over last May’s 15.6 million level and a gain from last month’s 15.9 million pace.
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