The Latest SAA Newsletter
Free Lunch & Learn Examines Cybersecurity: Pains, Claims and Automobiles
Cyber Risk continues to evolve as the threat vectors, technology and laws change, and the impacts are becoming increasingly costly to organizations. In fact, the FBI’s 2022 Internet Crime Report estimates that U.S. losses arising out of Internet Crimes exceeded $10.3 billion, up 49% year over year. On September 20, join the SAA for a free Lunch & Learn as Aon Cyber Solutions will share insights on its current cyber threat landscape, review impacts to the insurance industry and share how insureds can best evaluate and position themselves for risk transfer.
Click here for information and to register.
Only a Few Spots Remain for Exclusive Tours of the Detroit Auto Show
Automotive industry thought leaders will lead SAA members and guests on Sept. 14 through exclusive and detailed tours of the 2023 Detroit Auto Show. In addition to the tours, attendees can spend the day using their Technology Day ticket to visit the entire show floor and AutoMobili-D. Only a few spots remain so register today.
Click here for more information and to register.
Register for Next Week’s Automotive Update 2023 -- The Transitions Accelerate
Join the SAA and ACG Detroit at the historical Edsel and Eleanor Ford House on Sept. 12 as we gear up for the Detroit Auto Show with an informative conversation with two of the top firms in automotive. Topics will cover everything from the outlook for the rest of 2023 and trends being watched for 2024, to a broader discussion on challenges that may lie ahead for the sector. This event is held in partnership with Riveron.
Click here for more information and to register.
SAA Coffee Break: EVs of the Future Will Force Suppliers to Pivot
Join the SAA on Sept. 13 for a free, 15-minute Coffee Break featuring the thought leaders from Plante Moran.
Electric vehicles will soon be the industry and consumer standard. With the phase-out of internal combustion engines, suppliers must adapt and pivot to meet new demand and compete — all while grappling with real-time evolution in the industry. Simply put, keeping up with change is a baseline requirement for survival; those striving to stay one step ahead will thrive. And be sure to tune in for a discussion of the new EV models featured at the North American International Auto Show and their implications for suppliers.
Click here for more information and to register.
Foley’s Forum at NAIAS to Examine Key Business and Legal Issues
Foley is hosting a half-day Automotive Forum at the 2023 North American International Auto Show, Wednesday, September 13 at the Detroit Athletic Club. The program will uncover critical areas spanning business and legal issues facing the automotive industry – including alternative powertrain technology, planning for the EV transition, and more. Detroit will be abuzz with a city-wide celebration of mobility, potential impact of labor issues, and this program will explore many of the issues and challenges facing our industry.
Featured speakers include: Pat Staarmann, Director of Sales of the Americas at PHINIA and Steve Wybo, Senior Managing Director, Riveron, along with panel moderator Kurt Nagl, Reporter, Crain's Detroit Business, and more.
Secure your seat by clicking here and registering by Friday, September 8. Should you have any questions, contact Foley’s events team.
Hear Update on BorgWarner’s Aggressive Strategy to Transition from Combustion to Electric
BorgWarner announced its Charging Forward strategy in March 2021 and has made significant progress in achieving its targets. The company is on track to have at least 25% of its revenues from battery electric vehicles (EV) by 2025, with organic EV bookings of $3 billion for 2025 exceeding its $2.5 billion target.
Join the SAA on October 3 to hear directly from top BorgWarner executives who will provide an update on the company’s Charging Forward strategy, a tour of its new Product Technology Showcase, and lunch.
Click here for more information and to register.
U.S. Light Vehicle Market Solid, Not Spectacular in August
According to preliminary estimates, LV sales grew by 17.0% YoY in August, to 1.33 million units. Low year-ago sales are still making year-on-year growth relatively easy to achieve. Inventory levels have been trending upwards, while fleet sales are accounting for a higher share of the market, and incentives are increasing, while still remaining well below historical levels.
Click here for the rest of the article.
October 11 Lunch & Learn Examines Software-Defined Vehicles
Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) are poised to make a transformative impact on consumers and automotive OEMs. Software is expected to account for as much as 50 percent of a new vehicle’s value by 2030…and it’s just the beginning. Join the SAA for a free Lunch & Learn on October 11 and hear more on this topic from experts representing Nexteer, S&P Global Mobility and Plante Moran.
Click here for more information.
October Coffee Break Examines Aluminum’s Role in Mobility’s Evolution
The transition to electrified mobility is the greatest sectoral shift of our generation and a crucial step in decarbonizing human mobility. Join Aluminum Transportation Group vice chair Craig Lewis as he highlights future growth forecasts and the aluminum industry’s commitment to supporting automakers in this changing landscape through ongoing education to equip engineers for success with aluminum. Register today for this 15-minute briefing on October 18.
Click here for more information.
SAA Presents Panel at NAIAS on EV Fires
The SAA presents “EV Fires: Changing Perspective Collaboratively,” a panel discussion that will be held on Sept. 13 at 3;15 p.m. during the Global Mobility Forum. The Forum is a new series of presentations that will take place during Technology Days at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The 45-minute panel on EV Fires will feature Kevin Sehlmeyer, Michigan State Fire Marshal, and other industry experts. Your NAIAS Technology Day ticket gets you free access to the Forum, as well as the show floor and AutoMobili-D.
Click here for more information.
The 2023 Detroit Auto Show is Almost Here
The Detroit Auto Show is one of the most influential annual automotive events in the world and a showcase for emerging technologies. The iconic show features brand-defining vehicles, product ride-and-drives and dynamic experiential activations. The event includes: Media Day, an opportunity for automakers and industry suppliers to debut new products and technologies; Technology Days, a chance to preview emerging mobility technologies and engage with innovators; Mobility Global Forum, a two-day symposium on mobility trends and new technologies; AutoMobili-D, an inside look at future mobility platforms; Charity Preview, a signature fundraising gala for children’s charities; and the Public Show, a nine-day mobility and community celebration. For more information, visit naias.com.
Detroit Auto Show Dates:
- Media Day, Wednesday, Sept. 13
- Technology Days and AutoMobili-D, Wednesday, Sept. 13 and Thursday, Sept. 14
- Mobility Global Forum, Wednesday, Sept. 13 and Thursday, Sept. 14
- Charity Preview, Friday, Sept. 15
- Public Show, Saturday, Sept. 16 through Sunday, Sept. 24
“Technology” is the New “Luxury” When It Comes to EVs
A recent survey indicates that among new technologies, wireless EV charging is a key disruptor in brand loyalty among luxury EV buyers. EV buyers look to their brand choices to demonstrate the ultimate in the latest technologies. In fact, among those loyal to their current brand, wireless charging technology is now such a significant deciding factor that the feature would cause nearly nine out of 10 people surveyed to consider another brand.
The survey also revealed that most EV buyers expect that their brand will “ensure its EV has the best and latest technology,” and that it will meet or exceed the life of their gasoline or diesel vehicles. In addition, wireless EV charging is a technology luxury owners would pay more for. In fact, a price premium for the technology did not diminish their interest, with most indicating wireless charging would elevate their experience.
Buyers say that wireless EV charging is an option they expect from their brand, and it demonstrates the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation, and represents the fulfillment of their brand’s promise.
The future of car brands and their customer loyalty lies within innovation, adoption of new technologies, and communication with consumers. Check out the full survey results in this new report.
Steer-By-Wire: Enables Next Level Connectivity from Wheel-to-Wheel
A myriad of new technologies are being developed to support the automotive industry’s journey toward electrified, connected and automated vehicles. From batteries and charging networks to advanced steering and driver-assist technologies, these updates come with an increased reliance on software and the vehicle’s ability to “communicate” with other vehicles and its environment.
While technology opens doors, it drives new consideration for OEMs and suppliers, who must find ways to connect increasingly complex components to each other and overcome challenges for both software and hardware. When it comes to advanced motion control, Steer-by-Wire (SbW) acts as a center-link across all these converging megatrends – enabling advanced features and functionality for future mobility.
Fifth Consecutive Month of Double-Digit Sales Growth Sees New-Vehicle Sales Up 15.4%, Record Consumer Spend for August
Total new-vehicle sales for August 2023, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,354,600 units, a 15.4% increase from August 2022, according to a joint forecast from J.D. Power and GlobalData. August 2023 has 27 selling days, one more than August 2022. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to an increase of 19.9% from a year ago.
Click here for the rest of the article.
Actify & Plante Moran: The Importance of Transforming Program Management
Join Actify and Plante Moran for a webinar on the value of embracing a purpose-built program management solution, how to innovate your current program management process and how your company can expand opportunities for growth. The free webinar is September 12 at 11:30 am.
Click here to register for the webinar.
Register for YPN’s Next Happy Hour
Enjoy networking at YPN’s next happy hour which will take place on October 12 at the Detroit Fleat in Ferndale. This event is open to YPN members only — and food and the first drink on us. Consider joining the YPN if you are looking to advance your network and your career.
Click here for more information.
U.S. Offers $12 Billion for Automakers, Suppliers to Make Advanced Vehicles
The United States is making $12 billion available in grants and loans for automakers and suppliers to retrofit their plants to produce electric and other advanced vehicles, according to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. The Biden administration will also offer $3.5 billion in funding to domestic battery manufacturers, Granholm said.
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Owners’ Experience with BEV Advanced Tech More Problematic Than with ICE Vehicles, J.D. Power Finds
Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) owners experience more problems with advanced technology than do owners of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, according to the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Tech Experience Index Study. The study focuses on the user experience with advanced vehicle technology as it first comes to market and is an early measure of problems encountered by vehicle owners.
Click here for the rest of the article.
Driver Assistance Systems Could Save 250,000 Lives Over 30 Years
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) offer the latest in-vehicle technology, and according to new research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, they may also play a critical role in improving safety on the roads. AAA estimates that the current level of ADAS technology may prevent 37 million crashes, 14 million injuries, and 250,000 deaths over the next 30 years, representing a 16% drop in crashes and injuries and a 22% reduction in deaths that would otherwise occur without these technologies.
Click here for the rest of the article.
AI Steers the Auto Industry Toward Revolutionary Lanes
Artificial intelligence (AI) is fast revolutionizing the world in ways we couldn’t have ever imagined and this technology will only become more ubiquitous in the coming years and decades. One of the industries that is undergoing a profound transformation with the integration of AI technologies is the auto industry. Known for its drive toward innovation, the auto space is leveraging AI and machine learning to enhance safety, efficiency and the overall driving experience.
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The Auto Industry’s Congress Member is Worried About Losing the EV Race to China
Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI) is among the prominent voices in Congress advocating for a smooth transition to electric vehicles. Dingell, who was first elected in 2015, represents suburban Detroit, home to a large swath of the American car industry and the labor force that builds those vehicles.
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2.2 Meter Injection-Molded Battery Top Cover Prototype Developed
Automotive materials supplier SABIC has produced a 2.2-meter injection-molded battery top cover prototype, in support of demonstrating the feasibility of manufacturing larger enclosure components for EV battery systems. The material is a flame-retardant long-glass fiber polypropylene under the STAMAX™ product line. Use of this material can potentially help reduce the complexity, weight and cost of the component and the larger battery pack, while meeting other critical requirements. The injection molding approach caters to the large size and functionality of the top cover and can be suitable to support the high-volume production needs of the future for EVs.
Click here for the rest of the article.
Webinar: Charging into an EV future
The transition to EVs is accelerating and driving unprecedented challenges and opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers alike. Are you well-positioned for this massive transition? Join Plante Moran’s experts to explore the implications of the ICE to EV transition across the entire mobility value chain and how successful auto leaders are responding in their upcoming webinar.
Click here for more information and to register.
Webinar: Inflation Reduction Act: Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit
Section 45X, established with the Inflation Reduction Act, is a tax credit for businesses that manufacture and sell energy components. Plante Moran’s tax professionals will discuss this tax credit, including how to qualify and calculating the amount of the credit at their upcoming webinar.


