Shift: A podcast about mobility: Recent Episodes
Automotive News
On Shift: A podcast about mobility, Automotive News reporter Pete Bigelow and Shift editor Leslie Allen take an optimistic yet skeptical eye at the new tech and business models planned for the auto industry. Join them for a recap of the news of the week and a chat with a leading newsmaker in the industry.
Shift is a production of Automotive News, the leading publication covering the auto industry. Check out our reporting online at autonews.com/shift and follow us on Twitter @Automotive_News.
Product planning will be difficult for automakers amid a changeover in the White House, said Jeff Schuster, global vice president of automotive research at GlobalData. He outlines the incoming Trump administration’s potential impact on electrification, affordability, automaker plant utilization and more.
The investment director at the LG Group’s venture capital arm discusses the investment atmosphere for battery startups, the race to develop low-cost battery chemistries and promising stationary energy storage developments.
The University of South Carolina professor and autonomous-driving safety expert discusses Tesla’s Cybercab rollout, Waymo’s growing operations, and how self-driving rules, regulations and laws might be shaped by upcoming elections.
The chief strategy officer at Zero Emission Industries details the startup’s work in developing a suitcase-sized device that functions as a portable hydrogen fueling station. Further, he discusses ZEI’s work in pioneering hydrogen fuel-cell systems for first-of-their-kind maritime applications.
Mobility expert Selika Josiah Talbott and SkillFusion CEO Elaina Farnsworth offer a pragmatic look at how the 2024 election results could bolster mobility innovation, affect the zero-emission transition and impact the American workforce of the future.
Pam Fletcher, a former leader at General Motors and Delta Air Lines, discusses her move to the battery startup world as CEO of Sion Power. Then Loren McDonald, CEO of analyst firm EV Adoption, provides a status report on the rollout of federally backed EV chargers.
Kristy Fleischmann Groncki and Stephanie Leach, both of the clean energy solutions team at Baltimore Gas and Electric, detail first-of-their-kind initiatives which allow EV owners and utilities to explore time-of-use charging cooperation and vehicle-to-home power used in parallel with the grid.
False starts and missteps define the auto industry’s initial attempts to build software-defined vehicles. In this panel discussion from Automotive News Congress, experts detailed the right way to prioritize software and unlock its transformative potential.The panel includes Bosch’s Stefan Buerkle, Intel Automotive’s Rebeca Delgado, Gentex CEO Steve Downing, General Motors’ Achim Pantfoerder and Ford Motor Co.’s Alex Purdy.
Shift brings two timely conversations this week. First, Austin Russell explores what it takes to industrialize lidar at a time of turbulence in the industry. Then, Jeff Allen, previews the Forth electric transportation conference as it moves to Detroit.
The director of the University of Michigan’s Law and Mobility Program argues against removing humans from self-driving vehicles and suggests the autonomous-vehicle industry can learn a lot from aviation on building trust.
The chair of the automated and connected vehicle practice at law firm Venable breaks down California’s new draft regulations regarding autonomous trucks. Further, he details the state of AV laws and regulations –- or absence thereof -- across the country.
The CEO of ChargerHelp weighs in on the industry’s inaccurate uptime calculation and what issues actually underlie charger unreliability.
The Guidehouse Insights principal analyst examines forces driving Ford Motor Co. to scale back its electric-vehicle plans, steady sales growth in the overall EV market, and why it’s hard for legacy automakers to get software right.
The administrator of the Federal Highway Administration details a new U.S. DOT plan for rolling out a long-simmering technology capable of saving thousands of lives on American roads. Further, he discusses the ways artificial intelligence and infrastructure can accelerate safety improvements and reduce the more than 40,000 traffic deaths that occur in the U.S. every year.
The founder and CEO of the multi-city EV festival details the impact of a shift from early adopters to mass-market consumers and identifies counterintuitive ways to drive adoption of electric vehicles.
The managing partner at FM Capital examines barriers to electric-vehicle proliferation. Further, he discusses investing in transportation-tech startups and the economic conditions ending the “order taking” era in the auto industry.
Although hydrogen may cost more initially, the FirstElement Fuel co-founder and chief business development officer argues hydrogen-powered trucks will be more efficient and viable than battery-electric counterparts at scale.
The chief business development officer and founder of FirstElement Fuel details what it really takes to build hydrogen fueling infrastructure and the overall state of the nascent hydrogen ecosystem in California and beyond.
The investor, advisor and former U.S. DOT senior scientist links the emerging eVTOL industry with America’s global innovation leadership. She further explains how aviation must be better integrated with other transportation options.
The founder and CEO of The Road To Autonomy examines the new Rivian-Volkswagen joint venture, casts some doubts on the auto industry’s electrification push and explores the broader mobility business landscape.
John O’Leary, CEO of Daimler Truck North America, discusses where he thinks hydrogen fits in commercial trucking and what role incentives play in increasing vehicle affordability. He also shares his perspective on charging infrastructure availability.
Ahead of the July 4th holiday, historically a deadly date on U.S. roads, the Kiefer Foundation chairman details the steps that tech companies, automakers, lawmakers and individual drivers can all take to stop distracted driving and improve traffic safety.
The oil company’s director of strategic partnerships details efforts in renewable fuels, hydrogen and carbon capture, examines energy and auto industry synergies, and updates Chevron's work with Toyota and Cummins.
On a special episode of Shift, Automotive News staffers are contestants on a game show about electric vehicle sounds. That is followed by an explanation of the factors driving electric vehicle sound design.
The co-founder and chief technology officer details the latest developments in the company’s driverless operations and shares how customers are replacing Class 8 big rigs with Gatik’s box trucks on repeatable, “Middle Mile” routes.
Drake, Ford’s vice president of electric vehicle programs and energy supply chain, shares her outlook on the EV future amid a slowdown in sales growth and explains why systemic change is necessary to create more opportunities for women in the industry. Drake was a keynote speaker at Automotive News Leading Women conference May 21. She spoke with reporter Hannah Lutz.
The CEO and co-founder of the U.K. automated-driving startup details a fundraising round that includes investment from SoftBank, Nvidia and Microsoft. Further, he explains the company’s ChatGPT-like approach to utilizing AI in the traffic realm.
The founder and general partner of the venture-capital firm details a new $300 million infusion from its namesake automaker, separates hype from reality in the AI boom, and discussions automotive’s convergence toward the energy realm.
The vice president of automotive, transportation and cross-manufacturing at research and advisory firm Gartner Inc. breaks down the disbanding of Tesla’s EV charging team, Elon Musk’s latest robotaxi promises and the company’s fresh “AI and robotics” focus.
The vice president of automotive and manufacturing at Amazon Web Services (AWS) talks about the proliferation of generative AI advances across different areas of the auto industry. Further, she details efforts to ensure women thrive in auto-tech careers.
The author of “City Limits: Infrastructure, Inequality and The Future of America’s Highways” examines the financial, environmental and human costs of highway expansions, explains the way interstates are funded, and details prospects of highway removal.
The managing director of the connected-and-autonomous vehicle test track details the facility’s evolution into a makerspace for mobility innovation that encompasses a data engine and mixed-reality tech development.
The partner at investment firm Mobility Impact Partners explains how she looks beyond transportation-tech hype when investing and details a viable path for electrification through charging and infrastructure uncertainty.
The vice president of sustainability and business development at American Honda Motor Inc. details the automaker’s new CR-V fuel-cell variant, an H2-focused joint venture with General Motors, and the state of hydrogen infrastructure.
Michigan’s chief mobility officer shares the state's efforts to ensure that transportation is equitable, clean and innovative across land, air and waterways.
The program officer in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office explains how EV and energy policy gets implemented through billions in federal loans, and how that work underpins a clean-energy economy.
March 13 marks the 20-year anniversary of the inaugural DARPA Grand Challenge race which catalyzed interest in self-driving technology. DARPA director Tony Tether, Carnegie Mellon University’s Red Whittaker, Waymo’s Melissa Dumas Grimm and Pronto’s Anthony Levandowski offer reflections on that race and how it steered the course of automated-driving development.
The co-leader of Boston Consulting Group’s Center for Mobility Innovation discusses complications in deploying automated-driving technology and points to limited EV offerings a contributing factor behind a sales slowdown.
The retired General Motors vice president of R&D and adviser to Google and Waymo believes the way digital technology is reshaping our lives will impact both vehicle development and whether we need vehicles at all.
Reichmuth, a senior engineer in the organization’s Clean Transportation Program, examines if plug-in hybrids will lead to reduced emissions amid renewed interest and calls out automakers with inefficient PHEV offerings.
Sanjay Arya, the head of innovation for index product at Morningstar, and Jonathan Geurkink, a senior research analyst for mobility and supply chain tech at Pitchbook, explain what venture capital investment says about mobility tech and why there is optimism about a competitor for Tesla’s supercharger network.
The chief technology officer at Panasonic Automotive details advances on software-defined vehicles and what they mean for consumers.
The partner and co-leader of the consulting firm’s Center for Future Mobility advises automakers on navigating software, autonomy and electrification transitions amid profound changes in technology, workforce and the global world order.
The Pronto CEO and co-founder details the merits of pursuing off-road autonomy, provides a status report on self-driving technology and explains why he founded the Way Of The Future church as a framework for harnessing artificial intelligence.
“Software-defined vehicle” was much more than a buzzwordy catchphrase at CES. From Las Vegas, Elektrobit CEO Maria Anhalt and Qualcomm VP and head of software product management detail rapid advances and growing importance in auto software.
The expert on Asia’s automakers and CEO of Dunne Insights warns that traditional automakers not named Tesla should be “terrified” of BYD across the globe. Further, he explains how China came to dominate battery materials and technology in the burgeoning EV market.
The Clarios CEO examines the growing importance of low-voltage batteries in fully electric vehicles, how recycling may ease geopolitical tensions the promise and realities of new battery chemistries.
The Spartan Radar CEO details how his company’s software serves as “eyeglasses” for conventional radar, vastly improving performance in the real world. Plus, he offers up an ideal holiday gift suggestion for budding engineers.
Gabe Klein, executive director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, argues that there is no electric vehicle sales slowdown. The segment is growing, and the charging infrastructure to support it will be “private sector-led and government-enabled,” he said.
The UP.Labs president details the thinking behind a “venture lab,” which custom-develops startups for companies like Porsche and Alaska Airlines. Further, she warns automakers and suppliers of fragility within their supply chains.
The Carnegie Mellon University professor and embedded systems expert makes recommendations on how GM subsidiary Cruise can improve its transparency and trust. Further, he says it’s time the entire industry develops a new safety message.
The CEO of the Israeli auto-tech company explains how driver-assist technology provides a financial bridge toward a self-driving future. He further details the rollout of SuperVision in China and assesses the state of the robotaxi industry.
The head of eMobility at Daimler discussed why the company is developing battery electric and hydrogen solutions at the same time, and how hydrogen combustion engine technology is a zero-emission solution with a lower barrier to entry for many fleets.
The CEO and founder of Plus describes his company’s evolutionary approach toward developing automated-driving technology. Further, he provides updates on work with partners like Amazon, Bosch, Cummings and more, and what’s ahead for Plus in 2024.
The director of the Autonomous Vehicles Initiative at thinktank Securing America’s Future Energy outlines findings of a new case study that shows how electric AVs could dramatically reduce air and noise pollution in San Francisco.
University of South Carolina law professor Bryant Walker Smith, an expert on legalities of automated driving, dissects the California DMV’s suspension of Cruise’s driverless permits and details the best ways to build a transparent and trustworthy safety culture.
Automotive News reporters Pete Bigelow and Hannah Lutz dissect a busy week of news on the electrification and autonomous-vehicle frontiers. Plus, they discuss Pete’s visit with the Toyota Research Institute and Hannah’s takeaways from the GlobalData Automotive Outlook Conference.
The Texas A&M Transportation Institute director details autonomous-vehicle deployments in the Lone Star State, examines how new technology can reach users in an equitable way, and sheds light on the fragility of GPS.
The co-founder and CEO of the refining technology startup details the supply squeeze for nickel and cobalt. She describes how her company can pioneer domestic production while decarbonizing dirty recycling and mining processes.
The Fermata Energy CEO explains how car owners can reap financial rewards from vehicle-to-grid technology while bolstering the electric grid. Further, the former General Motors executive recounts his time developing the Chevy Volt.
The writer and visiting fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy School details the financial, safety and climate-related costs associated with pickups and SUVs and the potential of minicars and micromobility to change transportation.
Automakers are introducing more sophisticated driving systems that complicate determining who or what may be held liable in the event of incidents. ZF board member Martin Fischer, Butzel attorney Jennifer Dukarski and Carnegie Mellon professor Phil Koopman scrutinize the details in a discussion pulled from last week’s Automotive News Congress in Detroit.
The chair of the International Council on Clean Transportation discusses her role in spurring change at Volkswagen following the company’s emissions-cheating scandal and says 2023 marks a critical juncture in a shift toward green mobility.
The president and co-founder of BlueSpace.ai offers an alternate path to developing self-driving software, shares lessons learned from her first startup experience, and details the state of driverless deployments in San Francisco.
Thilo Koslowski, board member for Arbe and a longtime industry advisor, says traditional automakers must change their cultures and attitudes now to keep their status in the future. He predicts that 10 percent of legacy automakers will be redefined or defunct because they failed to embrace the digital transformation.
Automotive News reporters Hannah Lutz, Molly Boigon, and Pete Bigelow discuss the latest stories in the mobility realm, including Waymo and Cruise increasing their San Francisco robotaxi businesses and the EV charging problems revealed by a recent J.D. Power customer survey.
SBD Automotive’s domain principal for EV discusses to what extent vehicle owners view their brands as leaders in sustainability, why software is a stronger motivator for EV purchases in China, and how increasing awareness about the environmental costs of battery production might impact adoption.
The executive director of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association discusses the anti-AV sentiment brewing in California, efforts to revive federal legislation, and what self-driving tech’s rollout says about American competitiveness.
The executive director of GM’s hydrogen fuel cell business highlights the automaker’s decades-long history with fuel cell technology, explains when to use fuel cells vs. electric vehicle batteries and shares how GM is taking the technology to other industries. The episode is part of an Automotive News project on hydrogen fuel cell technology.
The vice president of autonomy at Motional, a joint venture between Hyundai and Aptiv, breaks down the company’s “measured” approach to using self-driving technology to underpin a revenue-generating business.
The convergence of “megawatts and megabytes” requires a new skillset for electricians who will install and maintain the nation’s emerging network of EV chargers, says Price, CEO of Qmerit. Price highlights the challenges to recruiting and quickly training EV charger technicians, identifies charging differences in urban, suburban, and rural areas, and explains why some automakers likely felt like they had to add Tesla’s charging connectors.
Automotive News reporters Pete Bigelow and Molly Boigon discuss robotaxi problems in San Francisco, Volkswagen’s return to Austin, Texas, Lordstown’s Chapter 11 filing and progress along the Energy Department’s hydrogen roadmap.
The CEO and co-founder of the electric, hydrofoiling boat startup Navier explores the quiet potential of e-boats in marine transportation and how better utilized waterways can carry both passengers and goods, alleviating on-road traffic.
The Green Hills Software CEO and The Dawn Project founder catalogs his concerns about the safety of Tesla’s Autopilot and “Full Self Driving” driver-assistance systems. He further scrutinizes the problems associated with software in safety-critical systems.
The CEO and co-founder of TeraWatt infrastructure discusses the upcoming launch of a fleet-focused charging network, working with utility companies to meet power needs, and raising $1.1 billion to accelerate electrification efforts.
The deputy assistant secretary provides a status report on the DOE’s Hydrogen Hub initiative, the role of the national laboratories in researching new battery technology and progress toward electrification across America.
The head of product at the eVTOL startup breaks down the FAA certification process, discusses the company’s partnerships with Delta Air Lines and Uber, and explains how Toyota, a key investor, has imprinted its culture onto Joby’s plans to scale.
The vice president of homologation, vehicle safety and feature integration at Zoox describes the process the company used for self-certifying that its robotaxi conforms with federal standards and the status of the company’s self-driving deployments.
The vice president of transportation at Smart Growth America explores the role car-centric infrastructure plays in a growing traffic-fatality crisis, and how drivers are often blamed for errors that would be prevented by better design.
The president and CEO of Blink Charging discusses his company’s new contract with the U.S. Postal Service, his time spent launching the Nissan Leaf and global charging needs in an age of electrification.
John O’Leary, Daimler Truck North America’s CEO, and Michael Lohscheller, Nikola’s CEO, both spoke to Automotive News at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Anaheim. They discuss charging and fueling infrastructure challenges, the role of hydrogen in long-haul trucking and competition in the industry.
The VP for automotive and smart mobility at research firm Gartner discusses how new functions-as-a-service business models and a Right To Repair Law are changing the way everyone thinks about car ownership.
Joseph Vellone, the head of North America at ev.energy, explains how smart charging can help reduce strain on the electrical grid. He says different regional utilities face different challenges, including weather and grid capabilities.
Jodi Searl, the vice president of industry solutions and client value for automotive at Medallia offers her advice for meeting the needs of customers looking at electric vehicles. She says there are reams of driver data that can inform companies, and EV drivers have a particular set of needs.
Upstream Security’s Vice President of Marketing evaluates automakers’ commitment to fighting cybersecurity threats and the double-edged sword of connectivity. White-hat hackers, she says, are playing an important role in rooting out threats.
Center for Sustainable Energy's John Gartner on lessons for EV charger installation at scale by Automotive News
The CEO of NIU Technologies discusses the growth of the micro-mobility market and the public’s changing perceptions of solutions like bikes and scooters. The technology’s cool factor, he said, encourages new users but might have a downside.
The president and CEO of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), talks about a recent report on the state of advanced driver-assistance systems, autonomous vehicles and connectivity. Among the barriers to more widespread adoption, he says, is consumer skepticism.
Danny Shapiro, vice president of automotive at Nvidia, explains how Nvidia uses digital tools to help design, build and drive cars. He also shares how the company went back to its gaming roots to launch an in-vehicle gaming system.
The CEO and co-founder of battery technology company Sila Nanotechnologies describes his company’s materials breakthrough, ongoing work with Mercedes-Benz and how he went from a childhood in the Ukraine to Tesla.
The researcher fellow at the Harvard Law School and Breakthrough Institute director examines the effectiveness of the Inflation Reduction Act, urges more focus on electric-vehicle affordability, and foresees a long road ahead for meaningful carbon-reduction efforts.
The CEO and founder of the financing and loan startup discusses the attributes of EVs not often considered by traditional lenders and how recent Tesla and Ford price cuts alter the cost competitiveness of electric vehicles.
The MIT research scientist discusses his work with the Advanced Vehicle Technology Consortium probing how new driver-assistance tech influences human behavior, and how these systems differ by manufacturer.
Lyten’s chief battery technology officer discusses the limits of conventional lithium ion technology, the arduous process of manufacturing battery cells and how she dreamed of batteries during her time at Tesla.
The Kodiak Robotics CEO and co-founder discusses economic headwinds facing the autonomous-driving industry, how his company is positioned to avoid them and the timeline for deploying driverless trucks in commercial service.
The CEO and co-founder of Factorial Energy details the increased energy density and safety offered by solid-state batteries, her company’s work with Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai, and how solid-state may “leapfrog” today’s lithium-ion status quo.
The Emporia Energy CEO details how cars can pull double duty as energy storage devices in an EV era, the challenges ahead for the electric grid and how he’s building products for a “future that has yet to come.”
CES placed a spotlight on the momentum electric vehicles are gaining across transportation. Shift host Pete Bigelow discussed the trends and challenges with the Electric Drive Transportation Association’s Genevieve Cullen, Panasonic’s Andrew Poliak, Navier’s Sampriti Bhattacharyya and Blink Charging’s Brendan Jones on the ground in Las Vegas.
The University of Virginia professor previews the upcoming Indy Autonomous Challenge at CES, discusses his work with the Cavalier Autonomous Racing team and explores how self-driving technology might migrate from racing to robotaxis.
The vice president of service delivery for self-driving tech company Aurora Innovation explains how autonomy can help double the utilization rates in trucking and what it takes behind the scenes to run a self-driving operation.
The CEO and co-founder of Monarch Tractor explores the use of connected, autonomous and electric-vehicle technology in agriculture, details how a V2G-enabled Toyota Prius sparked a big idea, and highlights the start of production with Foxconn.
The Redwood Materials founder and CEO details a breakthrough battery-materials deal with Panasonic, explains how recycling bolsters a domestic electric-vehicle supply chain and reflects on his tenure as Tesla’s chief technology officer.
The president, CEO and co-founder of startup Apex.Ai advises automakers in adapting to a software-dominated world, discusses his work helping to author the Levels of Automation and details his work on self-driving tech a decade before the DARPA challenges.
General Motors vice president Travis Hester details the plans behind GM Energy, a new business unit focused on energy storage and distribution. Then GM’s Bill Mack explains how the company uses its battery tech and components across transportation.
The Piedmont Lithium CEO discusses how a $141.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy helps accelerate a lithium project already underway, and how a shortage of raw materials for batteries may hamper the auto industry.
The vice president for global policy and public affairs at Circulor explains how new technology can precisely track emissions, prevent exploitative mining practices, and help automakers prove they meet Inflation Reduction Act requirements.
The electrification director at nonprofit thinktank Energy Innovation charts the path forward for understanding how the far-reaching IRA affects electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, raw material production and U.S. power grid.
The research scientist at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety delves into her new report on motorists’ habits involving three leading driver-assistance systems and discusses the complexities of human and machine collaboration behind the wheel.
The serial transportation entrepreneur discusses the promise of electric micromobility, finding joy in transportation and why “infrastructure is destiny.”
The co-founder and partner of the transportation-focused venture capital firm discusses investing amid uncertainty, how the Motor City will evolve in the transition to EVs, and the accelerating bifurcation of worldwide supply chains.
The co-founder of the new electric vehicle startup details his focus on the medium-duty commercial market, a fast track toward production and the importance of designing a vehicle from the ground up.
The executive director of electric vehicle programs at Consumers Energy discusses the role utility companies play in meeting consumer expectations for electric vehicles and details the need for a resilient power grid.
The president and CEO of ITS America details the life-saving potential of V2X technology, explains why it’s taking so long to bring connected-car tech to the market, and urges a fresh mindset on the concept of infrastructure.
McGinty, an English professor at Slippery Rock University, recently wrote his debut novel, “Test Drive,” about an autonomous-vehicle safety driver in Pittsburgh. He discusses the book and explores the muddled language so often used to describe self-driving tech.
The consultant and transportation strategist argues in favor of creating a “czar” who oversees AV and EV policy efforts across the federal government, and underscores the importance of pushing beyond one-size-fits-all transportation technology.
The former Obama White House official says his company's goal to "electrify everything" isn't just optimistic, it's also a practical and realistic vision for the future. And he says President Joe Biden's signing of the Inflation Reduction Act is a game-changer that will propel America toward that new reality.
Levy says the threat of cyber attacks on vehicles, technology and infrastructure is getting worse, not better. He talks about what the nature of those threats looks like in 2022, as well as Upsteam Security's work with automakers to address these pressing issues.
The inventor, author, and vice president of policy and international outreach at Ample dissects the proposed Inflation Reduction Act and explains what the bill’s passage would mean for the auto industry and efforts to build a domestic supply chain.
The design center director for Atom Power and principal at Open Door Architecture discusses the effect of electric vehicles on commercial architecture and integrating charging equipment into public spaces in creative ways.
The principal research analyst at Guidehouse Insights discusses the state of the robotaxi industry, his annual autonomous-vehicle leaderboard rankings, and whether consumer are ready to embrace electric vehicles.
The co-founder and CEO of online repair community iFixit describes the auto industry’s attempts to use copyright law to restrict who can repair cars. He further explores the meaning of ownership in a software-defined era.
The manager of vehicle technology at Consumer Reports sheds light on federal reports related to crashes involving driver-assist systems and clarifies terminology that manufacturer and drivers use in describing new features and in-car tech.
The journalist and author delves into the details of her new book, “There Are No Accidents,” and explains how the word protects the status quo and hinders us in taking pragmatic steps to thwart preventable crashes.
The head of global public policy at traffic analytics company Inrix details a new partnership with General Motors which combines data from cars on the road with other information to provide insights on road safety and help cities thwart trouble spots.
General Motors is trying to capture a sizable slice of the delivery market with BrightDrop electric vans. BrightDrop Chief Product Officer Rachad Youssef hints at BrightDrop’s plans for the future and the opportunity within the delivery and logistics market.
The CEO of the wireless charging company unveils a $25 million strategic investment from Siemens, infrastructure needed to support electric vehicles, and why wireless options are imperative for people with disabilities.
The investor and advisor at FutureOf details the financial straits facing many electric-vehicle companies, explains why autonomous vehicles remain a long-term endeavor and explores the mobility opportunities that remain.
The automotive policy advisor with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago discusses the ways in which electric vehicles must reach parity with their conventional counterparts to ensure a widespread growth trajectory.
The founder and managing director of venture capital firm Maniv Mobility explores Israel’s role in advancing auto-tech and reflects on his experience with one-time electric-vehicle startup Better Place.
The founder and CEO of Luminar Technologies lays out lidar’s role in dramatically reducing traffic deaths, the company’s march toward industrialization and a new deal with Nissan that brings lidar to the mass market.
The partner in McKinsey & Co.’s Center for Future Mobility explores the opportunity and risks for automakers in an EV-dominant future and the urgency needed in accelerating that transition.
The senior director of new ventures at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. explains the strategy behind her fund’s portfolio, innovating at a 123-year-old company and where the rubber meets the road ahead.
The chairman and CEO of Pajarito Powder explains hydrogen’s role in thwarting climate change and impacting energy security. He further details how hydrogen fuel cell vehicles complement rather than compete with battery electrics.
The founder of transportation consulting company 3MPH and author of “Right Of Way” explains what’s behind a substantial increase in pedestrian deaths and details the best ways for moving communities beyond car-centric infrastructure.
The founder and CEO of Steer Tech details her company’s new AV pilot project with Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, explores the state of automotive cyber security and explains why “convenience is a narcotic” for consumers.
Fresh off the company’s first-ever earnings call, the co-founder and CEO of Embark Trucks outlines the route to commercialization, how trucks handle construction zones and why Embark partnered with a major real-estate firm.
The founder and chief technology officer at Dactle and one-time Lockheed Martin whistleblower questions gaming-derived approaches to simulation and details why he thinks there are danger signs ahead for the autonomous-tech industry.
The former chair of the California Air Resources Board discusses the restoration of California’s authority to set stringent emissions requirements, her work with Ford CEO Jim Farley at the Coalition for Reimagined Mobility and whether EVs move the U.S. toward energy independence.
The president and CEO of the U.S. High Speed Rail Association details how super-fast trains could help alleviate traffic congestion on the road and in the air, discusses the nation's historic investment in Amtrak and examines rail’s role in global economic competitiveness.
The Argonne National Lab materials scientist outlines how batteries can be recycled without sacrificing profits, how technology borrowed from mining can be used to extract value from old cells, the promise of solid-state, and why the U.S. is on track to meet its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The director of the National Transportation Safety Board’s Highway Safety Office explains how V2X communications could have prevented a multi-vehicle crash in Pennsylvania, and how connected-car tech could someday save lives on U.S. roads.
The University of Virginia professor and author of “Autonorama: The Illusory Promise Of High-Tech Driving” details a decades-long history of autonomous-driving promises and scrutinizes America's car-dependent transportation system.
The CEO of the publicly traded self-driving truck company recounts the latest driverless tests in Arizona, discusses a key partnership with Union Pacific Railroad and explains how TuSimple’s business model differs from those of competitors.
The Arizona State University professor and director of the Risk Innovation Lab discusses the ideas of risk and safety in driving, the advent of new technology like Tesla’s “Full Self Driving” beta system, and the role of regulation in a software age.
Michigan’s lieutenant governor explains the state’s unprecedented $600 million direct grant for General Motors’ EV expansion, discusses the state’s readiness for an electric-vehicle influx and describes government efforts to support transportations startups.
The CEO and co-founder of mobility data platform startup Populus discusses how city transportation departments manage mobility, the underappreciated value of curb space and the future of shared transportation.
The managing director of last fall’s Charge Across America competition discusses the cross-country race, and what it reveals about the state of U.S. infrastructure at a time electric vehicle sales are proliferating.
After a groundbreaking CES, John Deere's VP of production and precision AG production systems explains why the company's fully autonomous tractor could have the same impact on farming as moving beyond horses 100 years ago, and why the new technology is critical to feeding a growing population.
The former Ford engineer, now CEO of the recreational boating leader, describes how the marine industry is adopting connected, autonomous, shared and electrified transportation to help navigate situations such as docking, anchoring and classifying objects in the water. He also talks about moving quickly from an in-person booth at CES to a virtual one.
The CEO and co-founder of the battery-intelligence startup discusses battery analytics, what information automakers should glean about real-world performance and why battery cells are like living, breathing beings.
The head of autonomous technology at the U.K. design and testing firm outlines the latest advances in lidar and radar, provides insight on CES sensor developments and details the power of ultrasonic technology to keep sensors clean.
Mitchell, CEO of Energy Systems Network, co-sponsor of the Jan. 7 event, discusses why high-speed racing is an "awesome platform" to test autonomous vehicle components and software, develop a world-class talent pipeline for the AV industry and build on the groundbreaking example of the DARPA challenges.
Gary Shapiro previews CES, ponders the state of American innovation Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, which runs CES, explains what showgoers can expect in Las Vegas, notes transportation-related highlights and discusses U.S. global competitiveness in the technology realm.
Felipe Chavez Cortes, CEO and co-founder of Kiwibot, explains the economic case for last-mile robots, how bots can provide safety data for cities and how he’s building the “internet of atoms.”
From easing the driver shortage to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Finch Fulton, VP of policy and strategy at Locomation, and Andrew Smith, CEO at Outrider, foresee automation offering substantial benefits in the trucking realm. They outline two distinct approaches to the market in the near term.
Here’s the article Finch referenced on upcoming truck driver pay changes: https://locomation.ai/upcoming-driver-pay-changes-that-will-reshape-the-trucking-industry-locomation-customers-will-be-ready/
Trent Victor, director of safety research and best practices, dives into Waymo’s efforts to simulate how its virtual driver would have performed in real-life crash scenarios culled from its metro Phoenix operating area. He also details his previous work on crash avoidance at Volvo.
The senior manager of research and market intelligence discusses Cox's latest EV study; how dealers play a vital role in EV buying decisions, despite feeling ill-prepared; the growing importance of styling, and why going electric isn't as expensive as people think.
Brulte, mobility strategist and consultant, details how autonomous-vehicle operators can expand profit margins from unique experiences, how providers can provide more seamless charging for EV owners and whether Rivian can challenge Tesla.
Bose, chief technology officer of U.K. startup Humanising Autonomy, describes how AI helps AVs understand the intentions of pedestrians, how pedestrian behavior differs among cultures and how that intelligence can lead to safer streets.
Olaf Sakkers, general partner at mobility-minded venture-capital firm Red Blue Capital, considers progress toward pollution-reduction targets in terms of electric miles rather than electric-vehicle sales. He further advocates for a bolder U.S. infrastructure proposal.
Greg Rogers, public policy manager at Nuro, explains how the company uses its robots to deliver fresh groceries, discusses the climate for AV laws in Washington D.C. and details how his experience as a ride-hailing driver influenced his views on transportation.
The policy counsel for the Future of Privacy Forum discusses the potential risks of sharing information from dockless scooter rides, the emerging debate over AI and driver monitoring cameras, and the words that "make privacy nerds bristle."
Michigan’s governor and chief mobility officer discuss the state’s current infrastructure – from road conditions to electric-vehicle chargers – and detail new initiatives designed to ready the state for the proliferation of EVs.
Asad Hussain, senior mobility analyst at financial data company PitchBook, discusses Ford’s recent electric vehicle investments, how investors have rethought funding mobility startups and the future of transportation beyond cars.
The CEO of lidar company Sense Photonics discusses why the company stands out in a crowded field, her experiences working for Ford Motor Co. and the importance of manufacturing expertise in lidar.
Joel Levin and Kat Urquhart from Plug In America, explain the underappreciated role dealerships play in increasing electric vehicle sales, how their PlugStar program trains sales staff, and preview the upcoming National Drive Electric Week.
The chief engineer of Archer Aviation discusses the company’s recent FAA certification milestone, his work with global automaker Stellantis, and why humans will remain in the cockpit for the foreseeable future.
Sterling Anderson, co-founder of Aurora, and Nils Jaeger, president of Volvo Autonomous Solutions, delve into the technical details of integrating an automated-driving system and truck platform and discuss the business case for hub-to-hub freight transportation.
The chief operating officer of What3Words examines the shortcomings of traditional street addresses, the power of new microlocation tools and what's possible when the world is divided into three-meter squares.
Hakan Ekmen and Navid Firouz of engineering and consulting company umlaut discuss the "impressive" strides being made in fifth-generation wireless, 5G's potential to improve safety and enhance the in-vehicle experience and the company's latest research into digital cockpits.
The CEO discusses the wide range of market opportunities, from mining to robotrucks; taking the SPAC route to public trading, navigating the chip crisis, and why “it's better to be selling the pickaxes in the gold rush.”
Zoox chief safety innovation officer Mark Rosekind explains his curious job title, reflects on his work as NHTSA administrator and NTSB board member, and describes his efforts to curb traffic deaths nationwide.
Five years after Columbus, Ohio, won the $50 million Smart City Challenge, program manager Mandy Bishop details the successes and challenges in implementing next-generation transportation technology.
The deputy assistant secretary for sustainable transportation in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy discusses the need for better batteries, why automation can reduce pollution, the advent of zero-emission airplanes and a hydrogen energy 'Earthshot.'
Jody Kelman, head of Lyft’s autonomous division, details the company’s new deal with Ford and Argo AI, explains business insights gathered from driving data and recounts her first ride in a self-driving vehicle.
The veteran engineer and scientist, now CEO of a battery startup, discusses why it's critical for EVs to go longer distances, the need for a cheaper, safer and more sustainable alternative to nickel-cobalt, and why two batteries are better than one.
The venture capital firm's founding general partner tells why he sees opportunities in "zero-emission entrepreneurship," a growing role for driver monitoring and industrial AV players becoming more attractive targets than robotaxis.
Don Burnette, CEO and co-founder of Kodiak Robotics, discusses fresh investments from Bridgestone and BMW iVentures, Kodiak’s unique mapping strategy and building a truck-specific self-driving system.
Hassounah's Silicon Valley startup has a Lego-like system for quickly removing and replacing battery modules. He discusses his company’s approach to swapping and what it could mean, especially for fleet and ride-share drivers.
Jeff Miller, assistant chief engineer on Super Cruise, discusses the latest on the driver-assist system’s planned deployment on more than 20 models by 2023, advances that now allow lane changing, and progress on other enhancements.
Raquel Urtasun, former head of Uber ATG’s R&D efforts, discusses her new self-driving startup, new ways to utilize machine learning in self-driving systems and why trucks are the natural first use case for automated-driving tech.
Hemant Sikaria, CEO and co-founder of Sibros, sheds light on how automakers can handle complex software in cars, his role in helping Tesla pioneer over-the-air updates and how to distill meaningful insights from vehicular data.
The National Transportation Safety Board member and President Biden’s nominee to become the board’s new chair discusses increased traffic fatalities, ongoing examinations of new automotive technology and the NTSB’s “Most Wanted List” of safety improvements.
Hyundai's Pam Cohn on the connection between automakers and aviation (Episode 98) by Automotive News
Christophe Marnat, executive vice president of electronics and advanced safety systems at global supplier ZF, discusses the evolution of driver monitoring into occupant monitoring, clarity in naming assist systems and new advances on the sensor front.
Anthony Foxx on building the long road to transportation equity (Episode 96) by Automotive News
The CEO of sensor startup Light discusses the company’s 3D camera technology, how it can perceive objects at ranges three times farther than current industry standards and its potential for improving automated-driving systems.
Liza Dixon, a Ph.D. candidate studying human-machine interaction, discusses the dangers of automakers overstating the capabilities of their driver-assist systems and the delicate trust they must forge between motorists and technology.
Matt Cram, chief commercial officer at Aerion Supersonic, discusses the rebirth and future of supersonic air travel and the company’s partnership-minded approach to creating a “global mobility network.”
An international expansion. A new vehicle platform. A new senior management team. May Mobility CEO Edwin Olson discusses the company’s series of changes over the past year and its overall place in the transportation ecosystem.
Move over, Uber and Lyft? Raven Hernandez, founder and CEO of startup Earth Rides, discusses why she’s launched a Nashville ride-hailing network with Teslas, a Ford Mustang Mach-E and Polestar electric vehicles, and how she’s found quick success.
Pedestrian deaths have risen by nearly 50 percent over the past decade. Jonathan Adkins, executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association, analyses the long-running challenges, and provides fresh details on a troubling rise in fatality rates during the first six months of COVID.
The CEO of Optimus Ride discusses his company's strategy of placing self-driving shuttles in campus environments, its plans to raise additional capital and the transition to full autonomy.
Phil Koopman, co-founder and chief technology officer at Edge Case Research, offers a consumer-friendly complement to the SAE Levels of Automation. Further, he discusses safety standards for self-driving cars and methods for ensuring systems can handle rare driving scenarios.
Stewart Stropp, senior director of automotive retail, talks about the results of J.D. Power’s inaugural U.S. Electric Vehicle Consideration study. For some consumers, a Tesla isn’t always tried and true. For others, one factor that makes them hesitant about a EV is a lack of information.
Shawn Kerrigan, chief operating officer and co-founder at trucking-tech company Plus, says his company will commercialize an advanced driver-assist system for trucks this year, and that’s a starting point on an evolution toward fully autonomous big rigs. He further discusses rising demand for freight movement amid the pandemic.
Alisyn Malek, executive director at the Commission On The Future Of Mobility, a nonprofit thinktank, discusses the infrastructure needs for electric vehicles, the role of public transit in a post-COVID world, and kickstarting a new effort to address global mobility challenges.
Tooling has always been an auto-industry backbone. In a software era, Qasar Younis and Peter Ludwig, the CEO and CTO, respectively, at Applied Intuition, argue it’s all the more important. The two discuss software and simulation that let others develop and test AVs, and their experiences bridging Detroit and Silicon Valley.
Otonomo CEO Ben Volkow delves into the Israeli startup’s plans to go public via a SPAC, how the company guards consumer privacy and the insights gleaned from more than 100 data points emerging from cars.
Anhalt, who took the helm of Elektrobit as CEO in January, talks about the company’s approach to software-defined vehicles, its strategy for this year, and her career experience going from software development to automotive.
Laura Major, chief technology officer of the Hyundai-Aptiv joint venture, talks about the company’s recent driverless permit approval in Nevada, its newly released voluntary safety self-assessment and its plans to deploy a robotaxi with Lyft in 2023.
Harman Chief Technology Officer Kelei Shen talks about the company’s connected vehicle strategy, unique in-vehicle cockpit experiences and evolving consumer demands for entertainment and safety features.
Open configuration options
Glen De Vos, Aptiv CTO, talks about the company's new platform to manage ADAS software and ways to simplify a vehicle’s electrical architecture.
Sherif Marakby, executive vice president of Magna International, explains how the global supplier is building flexibility into its EV plans, talks about a new joint venture with LG and describes the company’s electric truck concept showcased at CES.
Scott Kirchner, president of Panasonic Automotive Systems, discusses the supplier’s CES innovations, such as a new head-up display, as well as the role that AI and augmented reality play in the company’s automotive strategy.
Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, discusses how the organization planned a virtual CES, how the show plans to combat "Zoom fatigue," and what's ahead in auto-tech developments.
Jessica Robinson, co-founder and board chair of the Michigan Mobility Institute, outlines the skills workers need in a new mobility economy and examines COVID-related changes in transportation trends.
Finch Fulton, U.S. deputy assistant secretary for transportation policy, and NHTSA general counsel Jonathan Morrison discuss the federal government’s recent Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on automated driving systems, other AV initiatives, and new complications facing connected cars.
Aurora CEO Chris Urmson delves into details on the engineering ‘horsepower’ provided by the groundbreaking acquisition, why he favors a trucking-first approach to autonomy and the versatility of the company’s virtual driver. Plus Pt. 2 of "Mobility at a Crossroads," featuring highlights from this month's Shift virtual event.
In Part 1 of our Mobility at a Crossroads series, Matthew Johnson-Roberson, co-founder and chief technology officer of Refraction, discusses the pandemic’s impact on delivery robotics in particular and the gig economy in general. Plus, highlights from Shift's virtual event.
Robbie Diamond, CEO and founder of think tank Securing America’s Future Energy, discusses the intersection of transportation and energy policy, the supply chain for EV batteries and the state of American innovation and competitiveness.
Gautam Narang, co-founder and CEO of self-driving truck startup Gatik, details a new partnership with Canada’s largest grocery chain and lays out the business and operational promise of concentrating on middle-ground delivery routes.
Marjory Blumenthal, senior policy researcher at RAND Corp., discusses her latest paper on automated vehicle safety, the idea of ‘roadmanship’ and how the industry can build a strong safety culture.
For Michigan’s burgeoning aerospace industry, the sky isn’t the limit. It’s the starting point. Gavin Brown, executive director of the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association, details the state’s potential as a commercial space hub. Meanwhile, Adam Kall, co-founder of Kall Morris Inc., explains why his Marquette, Mich.,-based startup is laser-focused on collecting junk in space.
Jack Weast, senior principle engineer at Intel and vice president of automated vehicle standards at Mobileye, discusses driver-assist developments, including the partners' work with Geely. He also gives the lowdown on a mathematical model that provides a real-world safety framework for AVs.
Jennifer Haroon, chief operating officer at artificial-intelligence startup Nauto, discusses how driver-monitoring technology can help improve human driver habits, lower costs for fleets and anticipate and prevent collisions.
Giovanni Circella, director of the 3 Revolutions Future Mobility Program at UC Davis, discusses the institute’s studies of electrification, automation, and shared mobility, the role it plays in training mobility experts, and how the pandemic is changing the landscape.
Jennifer Dukarski, an automotive technology attorney based in Ann Arbor, Mich., discusses ways automakers can mitigate in-vehicle cyberattacks, what the automotive cybersecurity regulatory landscape looks like and how the California Consumer Privacy Act affects the automotive industry.
Nakul Duggal, senior vice president and GM of automotive at Qualcomm, discusses the rollout of 5G across the auto landscape, the latest on V2X communications and the company’s efforts in powering vehicle cockpits of the present and future.
Nancy Sun, co-founder and chief engineer at Ike, discusses her work history, why the automation technology company recently started testing on roads and the meaning behind its “long-term fast” motto.
Kay Cheng, head of policy initiatives at Spin, discusses micromobility in the age of coronavirus, the ideal infrastructure for e-scooters, how city streetscapes are changing and whether these changes are here to stay.
Hilary Cain, vice president of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, discusses the importance of an AV bill, why the lack of one is hindering development and how competitive the U.S. is in terms of mobility.
Nikolaus Lang, global leader of the Global Advantage practice at Boston Consulting Group and director of BCG's Center for Mobility Innovation, explains the role of self-driving vehicles in preventing urban mobility problems, the five city transportation types and why he advocates for robo-shuttles, not robotaxis.
Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of automotive engineering and industry relations, discusses the results of the auto club's recent study on advanced driver assistance systems, how the technology interacts with pedestrians, and the latest on driver monitoring.
Venture capital firm’s managing director discusses ground transportation opportunities, SPAC ‘mania,’ ‘Zoom dating’ and lessons learned from the rise of Lyft and the fall of Better Place
Manuela Papadopol, CEO of Designated Driver, discusses why the industry adopted teleoperations and how the startup is augmenting AVs and human-driven vehicles alike.
Senior analyst Mike Ramsey discusses his consulting firm’s latest transportation-tech Hype Cycle report, realistic timelines for widespread self-driving vehicle deployments, the prospect of air taxis, and the new Jim Farley era at Ford.
The head of automotive and autonomous mobility at the World Economic Forum discusses how the pandemic has upended a push for equity in mobility. She also addresses the opportunity to reimagine car-centric cities.
The current managing partner at VectoIQ and former General Motors vice chairman discusses the advantages of taking a company public via a Special Purpose Acquisition Company, how he wound up choosing Nikola as a SPAC partner, and his plans for the future.
Trevor Pawl, chief mobility officer for the State of Michigan, discusses his plans in the new role, how the region’s manufacturing expertise can play a part in new mobility and how COVID-19 is impacting the state’s mobility efforts.
Gary Hallgren, president of the mobility and data analytics company, discusses how the pandemic has altered travel habits in the U.S. and discusses other data trends the company is seeing.
Better known as ‘Professor X,’ the founder and chief executive officer of self-driving startup AutoX provides insight on the company’s recent deployment of 100 test vehicles in Shanghai and China’s broader efforts to lead in transportation technology.
Robotaxis are supposed to usher in a new era of travel. But Harvard and MIT researcher Ashley Nunes says the costs of running these networks are substantially more than those of traditional transportation.
Jessica Cicchino, vice president of research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, discusses why autonomous vehicles may fail to prevent most accidents, the myths and realities of self-driving safety and how the institute is testing driver assist systems.
Karl Iagnemma, CEO of the Hyundai-Aptiv autonomous driving joint venture, discusses simulation vs. road testing, how the joint venture is trying to make autonomous mobility a global reality and why it is focusing on airport pickups and drop-offs.
Swamy Kotagiri, president of Magna International, returns to the podcast to discuss the company’s investment in Waymo, its PPE production projects and the new normal for suppliers.
Kristin Kolodge, executive director of human machine interface and driver interaction at J.D. Power, discusses why mobility terminology is important, the impact of COVID-19 on public transportation and how the pandemic could change consumer sentiment of AVs and EVs.
Danny Shapiro, senior director of automotive at Nvidia, discusses the company’s pivot to support ADAS technologies, consumer trends to watch and how AI is helping in the fight against COVID-19.
The regional head of driver assistance and automated driving at Bosch discusses why the company is continuing to develop self-driving technology as others pull back and how consumer interest in autonomous vehicles will change as a result of COVID-19.
Brian Johnson, city manager of Peachtree Corners, Georgia, discusses the city’s AV test track and smart city living laboratory.
Michael Dunne, founder and CEO of automotive advisory firm ZoZoGo, sketches out the status of traditional car sales, ride-hailing networks and autonomous vehicle programs in Asia – and what that portends for the U.S. economic climate.
Ford’s Sheryl Connelly on how COVID-19 could influence our attitudes and actions, forever change the mindset of Generation Z, and spark a return of the trusty road trip.
From public transit to ride-hailing, COVID-19 has quickly reshaped the mobility landscape. Harry Campbell, a driver who started The Rideshare Guy blog and podcast, delves into the details on the ripple effects on safety and service.
Businesses big and small rely on commercial vehicles, and they can be surprisingly hard to find, says Kathryn Schifferle, CEO of Work Truck Solutions. She discusses better ways to match buyers and sellers, and underscores the importance of work trucks to driving the nation’s economy through the COVID-19 crisis.
CEO Joe Moye reveals how Beep’s shuttles are being used to deliver coronavirus tests in a partnership with the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, and more broadly discusses insights from the company’s early operations near Orlando.
Karl Brauer, executive publisher at Kelley Blue Book, discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic compares to the Great Recession, what automakers and suppliers can learn from crisis and how it will make the industry more digital.
The startup’s co-founder talks about how 3D-printing enabled his company to transform a decades-old technology into a compelling new radar product – and how he’s exploring ways to use 3D-printing to help fight coronavirus.
The Automotive News Shift mobility team is joined by Automotive News publisher Jason Stein in a discussion on the impact of COVID-19 on the future of the mobility industry, as well as automakers, car dealers and suppliers.
Anuja Sonalker, CEO and co-founder of Steer Tech, discusses her company’s self-driving parking feature, which eases hassles of parking at home and near transit hubs. Brian Brackenbury, director of connected products at auto supplier Gentex, talks about car-to-home automation and the links between the mobility industry and smart-home technology.
Jim Makowske, CEO of the Michigan Unmanned Aerial Systems Consortium, discusses efforts to make Michigan a backbone for the drone industry. Michael and Ana Healander, co-founders of Airspace Link, a Detroit startup, talk about creating a rulebook for highways in the sky.
David Estrada, Nuro’s chief legal and policy officer, talks about the company’s exemption from NHTSA to allow AVs on the road, what that means for the company and why delivery vehicles are good for testing.
Tammy Snow, North American head of research and advanced engineering for Continental, discusses her CES experience, how the company approaches innovation and what it’s doing to combat wrong-way driving.
Boston Consulting Group’s Xavier Mosquet discusses EV adoption around the world. Raz Peleg from AdaSky talks about the company’s work with thermal sensors for autonomous vehicles.
On this episode: -Honda Innovations’ Dennis Clark on working with mobility startups. -Ryan Kelly from Virgin Hyperloop One discusses the potential benefits of high-speed tube travel. -Riding in the Goodyear Blimp.
On this episode: -U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao discusses the new “AV 4.0” guidance. -Flir’s Frank Pennisi on the company’s thermal cameras for driver-assistance and autonomous-driving systems. -Highlights from the Showstoppers and Digital Experience! events at CES.
In this episode: -Upstream product chief Dan Sahar talks about automotive cybersecurity. -Bosch North America President Mike Mansuetti discusses AI developments. -TomTom’s George de Boer and Willem Strijbosch share what the navigation company is doing with advanced driver-assistance systems.
In this episode: -Robin Lineberger, global aerospace leader for Deloitte, talks autonomous flying cars. -Byton’s Dre Nitze-Nelson discusses the Chinese EV company’s digital focus. -Luminar CEO Austin Russell explains the lidar maker’s shift from “high-value component company to solutions company.”
Jack Weast, senior principal engineer at Intel, talks about autonomous vehicle safety, CES memories and the China transportation market. Later, Alexa St. John shares what to expect from automotive suppliers at CES.
Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, talks about the upcoming CES and looks back at the electronics extravaganza through the years.
Local Motors CEO and co-founder Jay Rogers talks about the company’s shuttle, transit equity and how his time in the Marines inspired him to create Local Motors.
Trevor Milton, Nikola Motor Company CEO, discusses the company’s “battery breakthrough,” his thoughts on Tesla and what a successful delivery of Budweiser beer means for his business.
Denise Gray, CEO and president of LG Chem Power, talks about the status of battery tech, when EV adoption will reach its tipping point and her work on the Chevrolet Volt.
In this four-part series, our reporters were dispatched to dealerships across the U.S. to examine dealers’ challenges and progress from right inside their stores. To listen, subscribe to the Automotive News Special Reports podcast or check out the full special report at autonews.com/retailrealities.
Craig Hoff and Diane Peters from Kettering University in Flint, Mich., discuss the university’s Mobility Research Center and how a recent grant allows startup companies to use the center for testing. Later, Maryn Weimer, from the Transportation Research Center in East Liberty, Ohio, and Patrick Smith of DriveOhio talk about the state’s role in the smart mobility conversation.
Missy Cummings, a professor of engineering at Duke University, discusses her time as a fighter pilot, the role of safety drivers in AV testing and her thoughts on the levels of autonomous driving.
PSA’s Larry Dominique talks about the company’s return to the U.S. after a two decade absence. He also discusses Free2Move, the company’s car sharing service which currently has operations in Washington, D.C.
WaveSense CEO Tarik Bolat talks about sensors needed for widespread autonomous vehicle adoption and the work his company is doing with ground-penetrating radar.
Mark de la Vergne, chief mobility officer for the City of Detroit, discusses a recent grant the city received from the US Department of Transportation and city’s new mobility efforts, including scooters and e-bikes.
In her last interview before retirement, Ford chief transformation officer Marcy Klevorn discusses her career at Ford, along with the company’s past, present and future mobility efforts.
Airspace Experience Technologies co-founder and Chief Product Officer Anita Sengupta joins Pete and Leslie to talk about her past at NASA helping the Curiosity rover land on Mars and her current role in getting personal air transportation off the ground.
In this episode, Leslie and Pete talk to Robbie Miller, chief safety officer at Pronto, a company developing advanced driver assistance systems for trucks. He discusses how he became a whistleblower at Uber, why miles driven may not be the best way of measuring safety, and what he’s up to now.
In this episode, Pete and Leslie sit down with Carla Bailo, president and CEO of Center for Automotive Research, who previews this year ’s Management Briefing Seminars. She also talks about smart cities, industry trends and what’s next for MBS.
On this episode, Leslie and Pete speak to Bryan Salesky, co-founder of Argo AI about the company’s partnership with Volkswagen. He also discusses how lessons learned from the DARPA challenge and his work at Google helped form his approach to building a self-driving system.
On this episode, Pete discusses V2X, the role of data in mobility and upcoming autonomous vehicle deployments with ITS America CEO Shailen Bhatt. Later, Leslie sits down with Michelin’s Cyrille Roget to examine the company’s recent airless tire announcement.
Pete talks with John Krafcik on the latest developments from Waymo, including the company's fifth-generation self-driving system and international aspirations. Leslie and Pete share takeaways from the Shift event held in Mountain View, California, earlier this month.
On this episode, Pete and new Shift editor Leslie Allen talk to famed roboticist Red Whittaker on his past as a DARPA Urban Challenge champion and his views on the state of autonomous vehicles. They also talk to Magna CTO Swamy Kotagiri about the company’s AV developments and his predictions for AV tech.
In this episode, Pete talks to Aurora Innovation co-founder Sterling Anderson about the company’s big lidar-related acquisition. Pete also discusses the precarious state of life-saving connected-car tech with Greg Winfree, executive director of the Texas A&M Transportation Institute.
On this episode of Shift, Pete talks to Alisyn Malek of May Mobility about the company’s latest self-driving shuttle deployment and its aim of solving first-mile, last-mile challenges. He also spoke with Michael Dunne of ZoZo Go about the Trump administration’s ongoing tariff battle with China, and its larger impact on the country’s ambitions to be the dominant player in tech.
On this episode of Shift, Pete talks to Jessica Robinson from the Michigan Mobility Institute about the region’s talent pipeline. That’s followed by a conversation with anthropologist Madeleine Clare Elish about her research paper Moral Crumple Zones: Cautionary Tales in Human-Robot Interaction.
On this episode of Shift: A podcast about mobility, Sharon and Pete talk to Sam Abuelsamid from Navigant Research about the company’s automated driving vehicle leaderboard. They also discuss mobility challenges in urban areas and ways to combat them.
On this episode of Shift: A podcast about mobility, Sharon and Pete talk to Claudia Laughridge from Terry Reid Auto Group. They also discuss the recent one year anniversary of the Uber crash in Tempe, Arizona, which claimed the life of a pedestrian and continues to have big implications for the autonomous vehicle industry.
On this episode of Shift: The Mobility Podcast, Sharon and Pete talk to Jim Adler from Toyota AI Ventures. They also discuss South by Southwest, Navigant Research’s leaderboard for automated vehicles, the DOT’s response to a GM request and AAA’s study on consumer attitudes toward self-driving cars.
Starting March 18, Futurismo will become Shift: A podcast about mobility. Every other week, Automotive News reporters Sharon Carty and Pete Bigelow will take an optimistic yet skeptical eye at the new tech and business models planned for the auto industry. Join Sharon and Pete for a recap of the news of the week and a chat with a leading newsmaker in the industry.
In “Rainbow Road,” the Season 3 finale of Automotive News’ “Futurismo” podcast, host Shiraz Ahmed journeys to Orlando to see how one company, lidar startup Luminar Technologies, is preparing for the next chapter of the autonomous vehicle age. The manufacturer of sensors that act as the “eyes” of self-driving vehicles has tie-ups with Toyota and Volvo. We tour Luminar’s r&d operations, test its technology and hear about the challenges ahead in the race to self-driving vehicles.
In “Going Home,” the seventh episode of Season 3 of “Futurismo,” we talk with Saginaw city leaders about the role advanced transportation technologies will play in the future of small-town America. Listen to the episode above or wherever you get your podcasts.
In “How to Make a Million Dollars,” the sixth episode of Season 3 of “Futurismo,” we chat with Jim Adler, managing director of Toyota AI Ventures, the Japanese carmaker’s venture capital arm.
He has invested in companies ranging from lidar sensor developers to low-level autonomous shuttle providers. We talk to Adler about how he found his way to venture capital, what a startup needs to do to impress him and why corporate investors — such as himself — can sometimes “smother” startups. Go to your favorite podcast source to hear the full episode or check it out above.
In the fifth episode of Season 3 of Futurismo, Automotive News' podcast on tomorrow's cars, we're going to look closely at the relationship between the car and the driver -- or, maybe in the future, the passenger. "We treat technology as another social actor, and certainly we treat our cars that way with or without the technology," said Pamela Pavliscak, a researcher at Chance Sciences interviewed in this episode.
In the fourth episode of Season 3 of "Futurismo," Automotive News' podcast on tomorrow's cars, we trace what this iconic monument to the rise, fall and subsequent resurgence of the Motor City means for a company that needs to shift the conversation when it comes to its autonomous vehicle efforts.
In the third episode of Season 3 of "Futurismo," the Shift team profiles the beginning of the autonomous revolution. Host Shiraz Ahmed takes a ride in a self-driving pilot in Las Vegas with Glen De Vos, chief technology officer at Aptiv, the technology supplier, and discusses what the path ahead for autonomous cars looks like. In the second half of the episode, Shift magazine editor Sharon Silke Carty chats with Staff Reporter Mike Wayland about his story on the competition between Waymo and General Motors for dominance in the robotaxi race.
In our second episode of Season 3, "Who's Afraid of AI?" we explore this technology that's affecting nearly every aspect of the auto industry and beyond. Host Shiraz Ahmed interviews Maya Pindeus, the 27-year-old CEO of Humanizing Autonomy, an AI startup focused on human-machine interactions with autonomous cars. Pindeus met a Daimler executive at Ars Electronica, a conference that focuses on the nexus of arts and technology, in Austria, and later began collaborating on a project.
In the debut episode of Season 3 of "Futurismo," "Treasure Map," the Shift team travels to Austin for South by Southwest, the eclectic arts and technology festival, to find out how the conversation around the future of transportation is bigger than just carmakers.
In Season 3 of "Futurismo," the Automotive News podcast on tomorrow's cars, we'll go inside an industry being transformed by new technology and new ideas, following the path of startups and gargantuan carmakers to understand how the ecosystem for innovation is changing how we get around.
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In “Detroit,” the finale of the second season of our Futurismo podcast, we take a look at how civic leaders view the promise of new mobility solutions. We’ll hear from Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto on what Uber gets wrong on self-driving cars, look at what cities want from car-sharing and examine what mobility means for the city that birthed the auto industry a century ago.
In our latest episode, we go to a country that's set on eliminating its reliance on fossil fuels in a big way.
In this episode of 'Futurismo,' we investigate how self-driving cars can be both life-saving technology and out-of-control robot cars. We'll peek in on a self-driving shuttle road-trip across America, find out how the public reacts to autonomous fatalities, and pose an infamous thought experiment to experts in the field.
In "Tomorrow for Sale," the fifth episode of Season 2 of our podcast "Futurismo," we examine how the industry can get consumers -- skeptics, early adopters and everyone in between -- to support and embrace its vision.
In the latest episode of 'Futurismo,' we investigate how car designers are developing the language self-driving cars will use to exchange information with people in and around them. "Light and color," the fourth episode of our second season, features engineers, designers and researchers tackling some of the thorniest autonomous design problems.
For the airline industry, autonomous technology is an old story. In "Up in the air," we find out how pilots manage automation at 200 mph, and see what lessons we can learn for self-driving cars.
In Season 2, Episode 2 of Futurismo, “Patent No. US3359539,” we tell the story of the seat-belt ignition interlock and alarm, a device that requires drivers to buckle up in order to start the car. We delve into how it was born, how, in just a few years, it became the center of a national conversation, and finally we’ll learn how it failed. Engineers working on advanced safety systems today and the self-driving car of tomorrow should heed this cautionary tale, because if one truism holds true through history is that humans can be fickle users.
The future is filled with unknowns. Will the industry’s bet on green powertrains pay off? Is it enough to assume the public will love self-driving cars? In the debut of Season 2 of ‘Futurismo,’ we get comfortable with uncertainty and frame the tough questions the industry must address.
In our last (for now) Byte, we talk about how to start children on the path to becoming the next great automotive inventor -- with advice from Tony Fadell, a co-creator of some of Apple's biggest products.
Blegh! Will the autonomous era turn the self-driving car into a vomit rocket? In our latest Byte, car designers tackle a gross, unexpected side-effect of more free-time in the car.
Automakers and startups have been coming up with new devices to transport people over short distances. Hyundai showed an Ioniq scooter at CES. Audi has its own concept scooter that fits perfectly into its mobility concept car. Even Honda has something called the Uni-Cub, a vehicle that looks like a golf bag. So what's the deal? Why are carmakers spending time pitching something more suitable for college students rather than car-buyers? Automotive News Silicon Valley reporter Katie Burke, investigates.
In this weeks Futurismo Byte, "This is how we (will) jam," we host a competition between staff members to gauge the difficulty of matching two random individuals' music tastes. Meanwhile, Brian Hamilton of GraceNote, a music classification and discovery company, describes his idea to solve the challenge of picking the perfect tune while car-pooling.
In Futurismo Byte #1, our snap-shots of the quirky in the road to tomorrow, we look at how violent video game "Grand Theft Auto" is helping self-driving car engineers.
In the Season 1 finale of “Futurismo,” Automotive News’ podcast series about the future of the auto industry, we take a look at how vehicles will change in the age of ride-hailing — how they will work, their level of technology, their very nature.
“Futurismo” sat down with experts from Lyft and the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, Calif., to learn about the challenges of designing and engineering this new breed of car, one that will play a vastly different role in society.
We also tell the story of the Taxi of Tomorrow, New York City’s effort to create the perfect shared vehicle of the future.
Season 1 of “Futurismo,” Automotive News’ podcast series about the future of the auto industry, has focused on how the rise of the car-sharing culture threatens to turn the vehicle manufacturing industry upside down.
But does everyone agree that a revolution in mobility is predestined? In Episode 5 of Season 1 of “Futurismo” we talk to some of the skeptics.
Episode 4 of Season 1 of “Futurismo,” envisions the transportation market as it looks a quarter-century from today. Automotive News staff reporter Hannah Lutz is our future forecaster, chatting with experts in the car ownership and sales realm to examine the potential of mobility. We talk to the self-described Doom Angel of Disruption, meet a car dealer anxious about his business and profile one start-up that trying to make mobility "so easy that it's free."
Episode 3 of Season 1 of “Futurismo,” takes a look at carmaker strategies in an era of mobility. We drop by Ford Motor Co. headquarters in Dearborn, MI, to see how its globe-spanning experiments are affecting change at home, talk to experts about the gold rush to pick up mobility companies, and see how start-ups and carmakers can collaborate in the coming third age of car-sharing.
Episode 2 of Season 1 of “Futurismo,” Automotive News’ new podcast series about the next quarter century in the auto industry, introduces some of the foot soldiers in the mobility revolution — the founders and CEOs of transportation start-ups. They aren’t necessarily the people you’d expect. There’s a mother who was inspired to start a business as she ferried her kids around town; a former eBay executive whose service allows anyone with a car to post it on his website for others to use; and a San Francisco entrepreneur who works with local leaders in the Bay Area to test out ideas that encourage car-pooling.
And there is the story of an Iraq War veteran who set up an app that churns through all transportation options — buses, trains, car-and-bike-sharing, whatever — to plot the best route to a destination. The app soon caught the attention of one of the world’s largest automakers.
Episode 1 of Season 1 of our new podcast, “Futurismo,” we set out to find people around the country who are living without the burden and convenience of car ownership. Naturally, they are all 20-somethings living in big urban areas where it’s easy to go without a car, right? Actually, no. We discovered busy people in rural regions and in large sprawling metropolitan areas with precious little public transportation who are doing quite nicely without a vehicle. We found car fanatics and truck drivers and people of all ages who have gone off the car-ownership grid. Meet the converts to the cult of car-sharing.
More than 70 years ago, a car company enlisted a theater set-piece designer to imagine what the cities of tomorrow would look like. His work quickly shaped how people envisioned the world of tomorrow.
In our preview for Futurismo, we talk about the inspiration behind Automotive News' first podcast, announce the theme of season one and discuss how the future of cars may not be about cars at all.