Fuel For Thought

In this podcast episode, S&P Global Mobility experts discuss the landscape of autonomous vehicles coming out of the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show, or CES, that was held in Las Vegas at the beginning of the year. After years of ambitious announcements and hype around fully self-driving cars, it appears that companies are shifting to a more pragmatic approach. Their conversation explores how tech companies and traditional automakers are now aligning their expectations, focusing on incremental developments and practical applications of autonomous vehicle technology. As the industry moves forward, partnerships between startups and established players are becoming crucial for driving innovation and achieving market-ready solutions. Speakers: Guido Vildozo, Associate Director, Consulting (Moderator), S&P Global Mobility Jeremy Carlson, Associate Director, Autonomy, S&P Global Mobility Brock Walquist, Sr. Specialist, Technical Research, S&P Global Mobility www.spglobal.com/mobility

In this month's Fuel for Thought, host Guido Vildozo speaks with our experts about how the automotive industry is navigating anticipated shifts under a second Trump administration. Their discussion focuses on the potential global implications of new US tax policies, tariffs, and deregulation.  Their conversation also dives into the uncertain future of electric vehicles, with policy changes leading to a potentially significant slowdown in adoption rates. How the auto industry adapts to these changes will be key in determining the pace of EV growth globally. Speakers:  Peter Nagle, Research and Analysis Associate Director, S&P Global Mobility Stephanie Brinley, Associate Director, AutoIntelligence, S&P Global Mobility Michael Robinet, Executive Director, Consulting, S&P Global Mobility Moderator:  Guido Vildozo, Associate Director, Consulting www.spglobal.com/mobility

In this episode of Fuel for Thought, we explore the European Union's decision to impose tariffs on Chinese battery electric vehicles (BEVs) following concerns about unfair subsidies. The tariffs, ranging from 17% to 35%, affect major manufacturers like BYD, Geely, and SAIC, while Tesla faces a lower rate of 7.8%.  This move, aimed at protecting European automakers, may reshape the market but has sparked tensions, with China filing a WTO dispute and considering retaliatory tariffs. The episode features Moderator Guido Vildozo in conversation with Tim Urquhart, Principal Research Analyst at S&P Global Mobility, about the impact on the EU car market and consumers. Speakers: Guido Vildozo, Associate Director, Consulting at S&P Global Mobility (moderator) Tim Urquhart, Principal Research Analyst, S&P Global Mobility www.spglobal.com/mobility  

In this special episode of Fuel for Thought, we're diving into the 2024 US presidential election – one of the most consequential elections in US history – which could reshape the future of the automotive ecosystem. Our panelists cover the wide range of issues on the table – including environmental regulations, trade policies, and labor dynamics – as well as the impacts these issues could have on automakers, suppliers, and consumers alike. Speakers:  Guido Vildozo, Associate Director, Consulting at S&P Global Mobility (moderator) Stephanie Brinley, Associate Director, AutoIntelligence, S&P Global Mobility Michael Robinet, Executive Director, Consulting at S&P Global Mobility  www.spglobal.com/mobility

It's been a turbulent four years for the US auto industry, from the COVID-19 pandemic to inventory fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.   But unfortunately for some of the industry's most important stakeholders, the turbulence isn't over yet. Automakers and their captive financing groups are facing intensified competition and difficulty attracting customers, due to several converging trends. These range from a recent surge in vehicle inventory and affordability concerns to fluctuating incentives and evolving consumer behaviors.   In this Fuel for Thought podcast episode, our host Guido Vildozo speaks with the experts to break down how these trends are playing out in 2024, and what they mean for OEMs and captive lenders.  Moderator:- Guido Vildozo, Senior Manager, Consulting, S&P Global Mobility Speakers:- Tom Libby, Associate Director, Industry Analysis and Loyalty Solutions, S&P Global Mobility - Matt Trommer, Product Management Associate Director, S&P Global Mobility - Michelle Yeung, Director, National OEM Sales, S&P Global Mobility To read the Fuel for Thought article, click here. www.spglobal.com/mobility

In this episode of Fuel for Thought, we're thrilled to welcome Abby Tu, Principal Research Analyst at S&P Global Mobility and author of "Electrification in China: On Track but Challenging."   In a conversation with moderator Guido Vildozo, Senior Manager, Consulting, S&P Global Mobility, Abby dives into mainland China's remarkable journey towards electrification, revealing how new-energy vehicles (NEVs) have surpassed internal combustion engine vehicles for the first time in July 2024. With NEV sales soaring and predictions indicating they will make up 75% of the market by 2029, Abby explores the pivotal role of plug-in hybrids and range-extended electric vehicles in driving this shift.   Abby and Guido also discuss the growing dominance of Chinese automakers, their impact on global competitors, and the strategic adaptations of international brands like Volkswagen and Toyota.   Podcast Speakers Moderator: Guido Vildozo, Senior Manager, Consulting, S&P Global Mobility Speaker: Abby Tu, Principal Research Analyst, S&P Global Mobility To read the Fuel for Thought article, click here. www.spglobal.com/mobility

In this episode of Fuel for Thought, research experts Ali Adim and Gabrielle Aversa discuss the current challenges facing the EV battery industry amidst a slowdown in demand for battery electric vehicles. The conversation was moderated by Mike Wall, Executive Director, Automotive Analysis, S&P Global Mobility.   To read the Fuel for Thought article, click here. www.spglobal.com/mobility

In this episode of Fuel for Thought, Senior Research Analysts Vivek Beriwal and Mariana Gongora highlight the key findings from our annual consumer survey on autonomous vehicles. The conversation was moderated by Calum Macrae, director of Research and Analysis in the Supply Chain and Technology division at S&P Global Mobility.  To read the Fuel for Thought article, click here. www.spglobal.com/mobility

In this episode of Fuel for Thought we discuss the aging of the US vehicle fleet.  Vehicles on the road are getting even older, according to new S&P Global Mobility data released last week. The average age of cars and light trucks in the US has risen again to a new record of 12.6 years in 2024, up by two months over 2023. The increase in average age is showing signs of slowing as new registrations normalize. This continues to improve business opportunities for companies in the aftermarket and vehicle service sector in the US, as repair opportunities are expected to grow alongside vehicle age. Learn more about the average age of vehicles in this podcast and hear from these experts... Mike Wall - Executive Director of Automotive Analysis, S&P Global Mobility Todd Campau - Aftermarket Practice Lead, S&P Global Mobility To read the Fuel for Thought article, click here. www.spglobal.com/mobility  

In this episode of Fuel for Thought we discuss the transition to electric vehicles in the U.S. market. As EV sales slow, OEMs must consider multiple factors to align their EV production with government regulations and consumer demand. From the here-and-now reality to the long-term aspiration of decarbonization in the transportation sector. The U.S. government regulatory aspirations and their pressure on OEMs towards an accelerated response to electrification. The consumer mindset and sentiment towards electrification: pricing, technology and the willingness of adoption. OEM showroom response to align regulation and pricing via alternative vehicle electrification pathways. Hear from these S&P Global Mobility experts... Kristen Balasia - Vice President of Consulting, S&P Global Mobility Guido Vildozo - Associate Director, S&P Global Mobility To read the Fuel for Thought article, click here.