Ed Garsten

The head of one of the world's biggest automotive suppliers understands investors' heads may be spinning as the industry makes seemingly sudden

tales from beat episode 140 noreen pratscher She's been a top comms exec everywhere from General Motors to companies in the healthcare, home

Americans are increasingly aware of automated, self-driving vehicles, but they're also increasingly wary of them, a study released Thursday shows.

Tech company EIAGLE has attracted millions in new funding for its tech that speeds commercial trucks in and out of yards and monitors cargo.

UVeye and CARFAX have partnered to integrate UVeye's drive-through inspection data into CARFAX's vehicle history reports. This collaboration provides dealers with a more comprehensive view of a vehicle's real-time condition, including defects in the interior, exterior, underbody, and tires, alongside its service history. This "holistic picture" aids dealers in valuing used vehicles, estimating reconditioning costs, and making informed purchasing decisions for their inventory. While consumers won't immediately see UVeye data on their CARFAX reports, the integration aims for a more transparent service experience and improved safety standards through clearer maintenance communication.

Despite billions invested in AI, over half of CEOs surveyed by PwC report no revenue or cost benefits, reflecting a $40 billion enterprise investment yielding limited returns. The automotive sector exemplifies this challenge, with fragmented, siloed AI pilot programs often lacking a cohesive, C-suite-led strategy. Experts like Ajay Chawla of OnTrac AI highlight that lower-level initiatives using disparate tools without corporate alignment lead to failure. While some express skepticism and fear regarding AI integration, others emphasize patience and due diligence. Rapidly evolving AI tools require time for payback, and successful implementation.

Despite high gas prices, new electric vehicle sales are significantly down, with a 22% year-over-year drop nationally and one major dealer group reporting a 27% decline. This trend is partly attributed to the discontinuation of federal tax credits. In contrast, hybrid vehicle sales are surging, up 83% since 2023 and now comprising 14.1% of the market. Dealerships report hybrids are in high demand, seen as a "no-friction" purchase for consumers unwilling to change habits for full EVs. While used EV sales are also up, particularly for more affordable models, industry experts believe hybrids are meeting current consumer needs, though the long-term future remains electric as technology and infrastructure develop.

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Rohrman Automotive Group CEO Ryan Rohrman is pivoting from new car sales dependence, focusing on "absorption" through fixed operations, used cars, and finance for sustainable profits. He aims to capture more service business, particularly oil changes, by offering them cheaply ($50 for full synthetic). This strategy brings customers in, allows for upselling, and secures future used car inventory, addressing the fact that independent shops service 70% of vehicles. Similarly, Lithia & Driveway's Dianna du Preez prioritizes customer experience and understanding powertrain needs, leveraging their online platform to manage inventory. Both executives criticize automakers' unpredictable product shifts and inventory allocation. They desire more affordable, in-demand vehicles.

Lee Gordon, chief communications and government affairs officer at recreational marine leader Brunswick Corp.and host/journalist Ed Garsten discuss Brunswick's new AutoCaptain autonomous docking system, how the company is approaching the media with the story, role of earned media and AI, in a wide-ranging interview.