Fuel For Thought

Carbon reporting in the automotive industry is becoming increasingly important, as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) face various regulatory pressures around the world. However, tracking and measuring carbon emissions is not an easy feat. One of the biggest challenges OEMs face lies in the complexity of reporting Scope 3 emissions -- specifically, Scope 3 Category 11, which pertains to the emissions generated during a vehicle's use phase through the end of its life. This category often accounts for 75-80% of an automaker's total carbon footprint, making accurate reporting not just important, but essential. Although inconsistencies in geographic scope, vehicle types, and automaker assumptions complicate this task, standardized carbon reporting is an important opportunity for OEMs to remain in regulatory compliance. Speakers: Guido Vildozo, Associate Director, Consulting (Moderator), S&P Global Mobility Qifan Yang, Lead Research Analyst, S&P Global Mobility

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.

In this episode of Fuel for Thought we discuss the future of trucking. Disruption is coming to the medium and heavy commercial vehicle industry and an increased focus on climate change, strict regulations, and technological innovations are expected to change the future landscape. Hear from S&P Global Mobility experts as we identify and address major questions the truck industry faces. Mike Wall - Executive Director of Automotive Analysis, S&P Global Mobility Andrej Divis - Executive Director of Global Heavy Truck Research, S&P Global Mobility Greg Genette - Senior Research Analyst for Heavy Trucks, S&P Global Mobility To read the Fuel for Thought article, click here.

In this episode of Fuel for Thought, we discuss what's likely to shape our industry in 2024 and beyond. Learn about the softening of the EV market, as well as increasing media coverage concerning sustainability, and the associated future pressures that this could bring to your business. With the upcoming S&P Global CERAWeek and Innovation Agora event in Houston (TX), we will preview some of the panel discussions that will be held there with several industry leaders.  Join us as we dive into the topic of the mobility and energy transition. Tom De Vleesschauwer - Senior Director, Future Mobility, S&P Global Mobility Anoop Desai - Executive Director of Sustainability, Consulting, S&P Global Mobility Greg Genette - Senior Research Analyst, MHCV, S&P Global Mobility To read the Fuel for Thought article, click here.

The automotive industry is reaching an inflection point that will reshape its near-term future, precipitated by the connected car era – also known as software defined vehicles or "SDVs." This will affect every aspect of future mobility, from Generative AI implications in Level 2+ autonomy to the HMI of the cockpit domain software. Tune in to this episode of Fuel for Thought and hear from our industry experts as we dive into the topic of connected cars and the automotive revolution... Mark Rechtin - Executive Editor, S&P Global Mobility Phil Amsrud - Associate Director, Automotive Supply Chain & Technology, S&P Global Mobility Tawhid Khan - Software Research Director, Automotive Supply Chain & Technology, S&P Global Mobility To read the Fuel for Thought article, click here.  

Average transaction prices for new vehicles are through the roof. But affordability has also been crimped by many automakers shifting away from traditional entry-level segments, both in the US and Europe. But as legacy OEMs depart the 'cheap-and-cheerful' arena, white space opportunity emerges for new manufacturers to enter the fray.  In the past decade, it was possible to find an entry-level new vehicle for less than $20,000. But pricing in the US market has recently increased dramatically to where $25,000 or even $30,000 is the lowest possible transaction price for a "low-priced" vehicle.   Tune in to this episode of Fuel for Thought and hear from our industry experts as we dive into the topic of vehicle affordability... Mark Rechtin - Executive Editor, S&P Global Mobility Julie Choate - Senior Consultant, Automotive Advisory, S&P Global Mobility Constantin Gerner - Senior Consultant, Automotive Advisory, S&P Global Mobility  

Five years ago, hype surrounding "autopilot" cars peaked. But S&P Global Mobility's updated forecast offers a reality check of careful, limited adoption of self-driving technology through 2035. Learn more about the future of autonomous vehicles in this episode of Fuel for Thought. Join Mark Rechtin - Executive Editor, Jeremy Carlson - Associate Director of the Autonomy Practice, and Own Chen - Senior Principal Analyst at S&P Global Mobility as they share their thoughts on this topic.

The consumer is already inundated by more than 450 vehicle nameplates to choose from in the US market. With automakers rapidly adding EVs to their product portfolios, that number will soar even higher. How are OEMs, dealers, and agencies going to adjust their marketing messaging and media spend with this onslaught of products? Learn more in this episode of Fuel for Thought. Join Mark Rechtin - Executive Editor, Joe Kyriakoza - Vice President and General Manager of Polk Automotive Solutions, and Jason Jordhamo, Director of Polk Automotive Solutions at S&P Global Mobility as they share their thoughts on this topic.

In this episode of Fuel for Thought we are going to expand the conversation of electrification. Rosy sales projections aside, global adoption of battery-electric vehicles still faces huge obstacles to cross the chasm, an updated forecast from S&P Global Mobility shows. Raw materials shortages, supply chain snarls, mainland China's dominance, and charging-network snafus are showing the transition from ICE to EV will take much more than wishful thinking and government mandates.   Join Mark Rechtin - Executive Editor, Graham Evans - Director of Supply Chain and Technology, and Calum MacRae - Director of Supply Chain and Technology at S&P Global Mobility as they share their thoughts on this topic.

In this episode of Fuel for Thought we discuss how the commercial vehicle fleet is accelerating toward ZEV adoption. How many electrified medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles can we expect to see delivering packages and plying US highways? And how soon? S&P Global Mobility recently upgraded its forecast to 140,000 ZEV MHCVs annually, starting in 2030. But potential potholes to adoption remain. Join Mark Rechtin - Executive Editor, Andrej Divis - Executive Director of Global Truck Research, and James Martin - Consulting Director at S&P Global Mobility as they share their thoughts on this topic.

In this episode of Fuel for Thought, S&P Global Mobility experts discuss the transformation of auto retail. Automakers and dealers need to change rapidly if they want to survive in the digital age. The recent  S&P Global Mobility Vehicle Buyer Journey survey showed consumers were willing to drive further to buy a car if a dealer engaged more online. With disruptor automakers now playing heavily in the omnichannel retail transformation space, what are legacy OEMs to do about it?  Join Mark Rechtin - Executive Editor, Tanja Linken - Executive Director of Dealer Network Development, and Grant Gitre - Associate Director of Consulting at S&P Global Mobility as they share their thoughts on this topic.