Autology

Supplier Soundbytes: What it takes to build AI that automotive can trust

Artificial intelligence is moving quickly from experimentation into the everyday operation of fleets and vehicles. It is being used to improve driver safety, detect collisions, support predictive maintenance, reduce downtime and turn huge volumes of connected-vehicle data into decisions. But as AI becomes more deeply embedded in automotive, the question is shifting from what it can do to whether its results are reliable enough to trust. That makes the gap between an impressive demonstration and a useful product increasingly important. In the real world, AI has to cope with unpredictable conditions, different vehicles, environments and driver behaviours. A false positive or delayed result can do more than reduce model performance—it can undermine customer confidence and prevent adoption. The challenge is therefore to build AI around meaningful business problems, with reliability treated as a product requirement rather than a technical detail. Data is central to that challenge. Large datasets alone do not guarantee better AI. Models need sufficient breadth, depth and fidelity, while training data must reflect the different geographies, climates, vehicle types and operating conditions in which they will be used. Data quality also needs to evolve continuously, with real-world customer feedback helping teams identify weaknesses and improve models over time. Bias is another consideration. Blind spots can emerge when certain customer groups, fleet types or operating environments are poorly represented in the data. Addressing this requires diverse perspectives during product development, explicit auditing and consideration of potential sources of bias before AI reaches customers. Privacy and responsible AI also need to be built into products from the outset. The wider question is how businesses balance the speed of AI innovation with accuracy, transparency and consistency. Customer involvement, real-world testing and measures such as precision and recall can help ensure that AI delivers dependable results. The priority is not necessarily more AI features, but better ones that solve genuine problems and earn trust. Looking ahead, opportunities include predictive maintenance, faster vehicle repair, autonomous vehicles and combining fleet intelligence with wider business data to improve decision-making. Human judgement will remain important, providing the context that AI alone cannot. That is the backdrop to the latest Autology episode of Supplier Soundbytes from Mobility Global, featuring Sabina Martin, Vice President of Product Management at Geotab. Geotab is a global connected vehicle and telematics company, and Sabina discusses what it takes to build AI that delivers reliable results at scale—and why data quality, responsible development and customer trust are fundamental to making automotive AI work in the real world. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Reach out to us at autology@mobilityglobal.com. Don’t forget to hit the subscribe, follow, and like buttons to stay updated with the latest episodes of Autology. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Panel Podcast: China Speed – Can the West Keep Up?

China’s automotive industry is moving at a pace that is reshaping the competitive landscape, with Chinese OEMs increasingly able to turn ideas into vehicles, scale production and respond to changing customer needs in a fraction of the time taken by many Western manufacturers. But what sits behind this China speed? Is it simply faster engineering, or does it reflect a fundamentally different approach to data, AI, collaboration and decision-making? In this episode of Mobility Global’s Autology podcast series, we bring together three experts to explore what the West can learn from China’s accelerating automotive ecosystem. Hanno Focken, Managing Director, Activation, Governance and Operations at Catena-X, looks at the role of trusted data exchange and collaboration across complex supply chains. Isaac Squires, CEO and Founder of Polaron, explores how generative AI and machine learning can move beyond isolated pilots to become embedded in everyday engineering and innovation. Ben Townsend, Head of Automotive at Thatcham Research, brings a focus on safety, repairability, real-world data and the need to ensure that greater speed continues to deliver better consumer outcomes. The speakers have already shared some interesting insights on China Speed through our recent one-to-one conversations on Auto Tech Insights. Those conversations are now available as Q&As to download from our platform: Hanno Focken – China Speed Q&A Isaac Squires – China Speed Q&A Ben Townsend – China Speed Q&A In this episode, we take those conversations a step further, exploring what China Speed really means, where that competitive advantage comes from, and how the Western automotive industry can respond. The discussion challenges the idea that Western automotive companies lack the engineering capability to compete. Instead, the panel identifies organisational complexity, hierarchy, fragmented data, legacy processes and misaligned incentives as major sources of friction. China’s advantage, they argue, is less about engineering faster in isolation and more about learning, making decisions and coordinating across organisational boundaries at speed. Looking ahead five years, the panel considers what a realistic Western version of China speed could look like: faster learning cycles, interoperable data ecosystems, greater autonomy for engineering teams, continuous software-enabled product improvement and stronger use of AI and real-world data. The central message is clear: competing on speed is not about abandoning discipline but about removing unnecessary friction while preserving the rigour needed for safety, quality and trust. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Reach out to us at autology@mobilityglobal.com Don’t forget to hit the subscribe, follow, and like buttons to stay updated with the latest episodes of Autology. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Supplier Soundbytes: The regulatory road ahead for automotive AI

Artificial intelligence is becoming embedded in automotive retail. It is helping manufacturers and retailers create digital showrooms, personalise customer journeys, support online sales and produce vehicle content at scale. As these applications move closer to the customer, however, a new question is becoming harder to avoid: what happens when AI-generated experiences have to meet a regulatory standard? The EU AI Act brings that question into sharper focus. Its risk-based framework introduces new requirements around transparency, accountability and the use of AI, with implications for companies selling and leasing vehicles to customers in Europe. For automotive businesses, compliance increasingly sits alongside commercial considerations such as customer trust, conversion and brand reputation. Vehicle imagery is one area where the distinction matters. Generative AI can create or modify images quickly, but it can also introduce inaccuracies into representations of products that customers expect to be factual. The alternative is deterministic rendering, which uses official vehicle and configuration data to produce precise digital representations. The choice of technology therefore has implications for transparency, copyright and the customer experience. The wider challenge is how companies can continue to innovate while understanding the technology they are deploying. That means scrutinising AI vendors, auditing digital content supply chains and recognising that responsibility can remain with the business using an AI system, rather than simply its technology provider. Regulation also creates a test of whether AI applications are robust enough for enterprise use. That is the backdrop to the latest Autology episode of Supplier Soundbytes from Mobility Global, featuring Martijn Versteegen, founder and chief executive of IMAGIN.studio. The company provides real-time vehicle visualisation technology, and Martijn discusses what the EU AI Act means in practice for automotive retailers, leasing companies and other businesses building AI into the digital car-buying experience. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Reach out to us at autology@mobilityglobal.com Don’t forget to hit the subscribe, follow, and like buttons to stay updated with the latest episodes of Autology. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Supplier Soundbytes with CCO of Covestro: Why cars are becoming material experiences

Autology is a podcast series from Mobility Global (formerly S&P Global Mobility), bringing you key intelligence from across the automotive supply chain. Autology features interviews with supply chain executives and Mobility Global experts to help you stay on top of the trends you need to know--and the decisions you need to make--in the near future. In this episode of Supplier Soundbytes, Mobility Global’s bite-sized Autology podcast series, we explore how innovation is reshaping the future of mobility - and why materials are becoming central to the next phase of automotive transformation. The automotive industry is under pressure from all sides. Automakers must deliver vehicles that are lighter, smarter, safer and more sustainable, while also responding to accelerating electrification, changing customer expectations and the need for more resilient, circular supply chains. These challenges cannot be solved through engineering excellence alone. They require new levels of collaboration across the value chain, earlier engagement between suppliers and OEMs, and fresh thinking about how materials can support performance, design, sustainability and user experience all at once. To discuss these shifts, we are joined by Monique Buch, Chief Commercial Officer at Covestro, a global leader in high-performance polymer materials. Covestro works closely with automotive manufacturers and suppliers to develop advanced material solutions that support vehicle design, durability, safety and lower-carbon production. Monique explains why the industry must move beyond treating lightweighting, sustainability, safety and design as separate priorities. Instead, the greatest opportunities will come from integrated solutions that solve multiple challenges simultaneously. She also discusses what true co-innovation looks like, why suppliers need to be involved earlier in the development process, and how advanced materials are helping redefine the in-vehicle experience - from acoustics and lighting to comfort, touch and perceived quality. Finally, the episode looks ahead to circularity as a business imperative. Monique highlights the need for system-level collaboration across OEMs, suppliers, recyclers and material producers to build future-ready value chains capable of supporting the next generation of mobility. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Reach out to us at autology@mobilityglobal.com Don’t forget to hit the subscribe, follow, and like buttons to stay updated with the latest episodes of Autology. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Supplier Soundbytes with HARMAN: AI Orchestration and the Future of Mobility

Autology is a podcast series from Mobility Global (formerly S&P Global Mobility), bringing you key intelligence from across the automotive supply chain. Autology features interviews with supply chain executives and Mobility Global experts to help you stay on top of the trends you need to know--and the decisions you need to make--in the near future. Artificial intelligence has long been a staple of automotive futurism. Yet for much of the past decade, its role in the car was more promise than reality. That is beginning to change. As vehicles become increasingly software-defined, AI is moving from the periphery of the driving experience to its centre, reshaping how motorists interact with their cars and how manufacturers think about value, safety and differentiation. In this Autology episode of Supplier Soundbytes, we explore how AI is transforming the modern cockpit. From natural-language voice assistants and personalised media settings to driver-monitoring systems and predictive navigation, the technology is already helping to reduce friction behind the wheel. But the most important shift may be less visible: the emergence of intelligent systems capable of understanding context, adapting to user needs and coordinating multiple vehicle functions in real time. Joining the discussion is Marcus Futterlieb, Director of Technology Management for AI Orchestration at HARMAN. He argues that the future of automotive AI will not be defined by ever-larger models or more sophisticated chatbots. Rather, success will depend on using the right intelligence for the right task - balancing cloud-based services, embedded software and deterministic systems to deliver experiences that are useful, reliable and affordable. The conversation examines the growing importance of AI orchestration, the challenge of building trust through privacy-conscious design and the opportunities emerging in areas such as driver well-being and personalised vehicle experiences. It also looks ahead to a future in which cars continue to evolve long after leaving the factory, supported by software architectures designed for continuous improvement. The destination is becoming clearer. Drivers are unlikely to care whether a feature is powered by generative AI, machine learning or conventional software. They will simply expect vehicles that understand them better, anticipate their needs and make every journey safer and easier. The race is now on to deliver exactly that. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Reach out to us at autology@mobilityglobal.com Don’t forget to hit the subscribe, follow, and like buttons to stay updated with the latest episodes of Autology. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Supplier Soundbytes with MAHLE Powertrain: Many roads to net zero

Autology is a podcast series from Mobility Global (formerly S&P Global Mobility), bringing you key intelligence from across the automotive supply chain. Autology features interviews with supply chain executives and Mobility Global experts to help you stay on top of the trends you need to know--and the decisions you need to make--in the near future. The automotive industry has spent much of the past decade debating a seemingly simple question: what comes after the internal-combustion engine? The answer, it turns out, is proving rather more complicated than many expected. Not long ago, the direction of travel appeared settled. Governments set ambitious targets, manufacturers committed billions to electrification and battery-powered vehicles seemed destined to dominate the roads. Yet reality has been less straightforward. Infrastructure has developed unevenly, consumer demand has varied by region and new questions have emerged about cost, practicality and energy security. As a result, the industry's future increasingly looks less like a race towards a single destination and more like a contest among several competing technologies. In this Autology episode of Supplier Soundbytes, we explore how engineering priorities are shifting in response. Joining us is John Hollingworth, Sales and Marketing Director at MAHLE Powertrain, a company that has deliberately positioned itself as technology-agnostic in an era of rapid change. The discussion ranges widely across the evolving propulsion landscape. We examine the renewed interest in range-extender electric vehicles, the role hydrogen combustion could play in heavy-duty transport and off-highway applications, and the prospects for renewable and synthetic fuels. We also consider a subject that rarely captures headlines but increasingly determines vehicle performance: thermal management, which sits at the heart of everything from battery efficiency to passenger comfort. Beyond powertrains, the conversation explores how automotive engineering itself is changing. As vehicles become more software-defined, connected and continuously updated throughout their lifecycles, testing, validation and development processes are being transformed. The central message is clear. Rather than converging on a single technological winner, the industry may be entering a period of greater diversity. The future of mobility, argues Hollingworth, will depend less on finding one universal solution and more on matching the right technology to the right vehicle, market and use case. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Reach out to us at autology@mobilityglobal.com Don’t forget to hit the subscribe, follow, and like buttons to stay updated with the latest episodes of Autology. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Supplier Soundbytes: What it takes to get AI results in automotive

Autology is a podcast series from Mobility Global (formerly S&P Global Mobility), bringing you key intelligence from across the automotive supply chain. Autology features interviews with supply chain executives and Mobility Global experts to help you stay on top of the trends you need to know--and the decisions you need to make--in the near future. In the next phase of automotive competition, the decisive breakthroughs may come not from the showroom or the software stack, but from the materials lab. Artificial intelligence is often discussed as if it were a software story. In automotive engineering, it is becoming something broader and more consequential. It is beginning to change how materials are discovered, how components are tested, how batteries are improved and how manufacturers make decisions under pressure. The car, after all, is not a single invention but a stack of them: atoms, alloys, cells, packs, structures, systems and software, all required to work together at scale, safely and profitably. That multi-layer reality is where AI’s usefulness stops being theoretical. In practice, it is about finding better answers faster across the whole pipeline—turning data into decisions, and decisions into prototypes. That makes vehicle development an unusually fertile ground for AI. Much of engineering still depends on slow cycles of trial, error and expert judgement: make a sample, run a test, interpret the result, adjust the design, and begin again. Simulations help, but they can be expensive and time-consuming. Data exists, but it is often messy, fragmented or collected too late to shape the most important decisions. AI promises to compress some of those cycles. Used well, it can spot patterns in experimental data, suggest better materials, connect manufacturing conditions with performance, and help engineers make earlier, more confident choices. Used badly, it risks becoming another expensive black box. The difference lies less in fashionable algorithms than in disciplined engineering: good data, clear objectives, traceable results and adoption inside real workflows—so the gains show up where production and performance are decided. That is the backdrop to the latest Autology episode of Supplier Soundbytes from Mobility Global, featuring Isaac Squires, founder and chief executive of Polaron. Spun out of Imperial College London, Polaron applies generative machine learning to accelerate the design and optimisation of advanced materials. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Reach out to us at autology@mobilityglobal.com Don’t forget to hit the subscribe, follow, and like buttons to stay updated with the latest episodes of Autology. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify

The Price of Power: What’s Driving EV Battery Costs?

In this episode of Autology, Rebecca Bellchambers is joined by Ali Adim and Hugo Cruz from S&P Global Mobility's battery research team to unpack one of the most important topics in the EV industry: battery pricing. The discussion explores why batteries remain the biggest cost driver in electric vehicles, how raw material volatility and manufacturing location shape pricing, and what the latest Battquant model reveals about cell and pack cost trends. The episode also examines the impact of lithium price swings, geopolitics, regional policy frameworks in Europe and North America, and how these factors are influencing the path to BEV-ICE parity. The team also looks ahead to the future of LFP and sodium-ion batteries, discussing where further cost reductions may come from and whether new chemistries could reshape the market in the years ahead. Speakers: Ali Adim- Battery Research Manager Hugo Cruz- Principal Battery Research Analyst Rebecca Bellchambers- Host/ Senior Battery Research Analyst We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode at autology@spglobal.com, and you can find much more at autotechinsight.ihsmarkit.com. Don't forget to subscribe, follow, and like to stay updated with the latest Autology podcasts! hear your thoughts on this episode at autology@spglobal.com, and you can find much more at autotechinsight.ihsmarkit.com. Don't forget to subscribe, follow, and like to stay updated with the latest Autology podcasts!

Supplier Soundbytes: Carmakers Rethink the Windshield

In the automotive industry, few technologies have spent longer in the "promising but peripheral" category than the head-up display. Yet as vehicles become increasingly software-defined - and as the cockpit itself evolves from a mechanical interface into a digital environment - the humble windshield is beginning to look less like passive glass and more like prime visual real estate. That is the backdrop to this latest episode of Supplier Soundbytes from S&P Global Mobility, featuring Andy Travers, chief executive of Ceres Holographics. The company's proposition is deceptively simple: rather than bolting ever more screens into the dashboard, embed holographic optical films directly into the windshield itself, turning the glass into part of the display architecture. The implications, however, are rather larger than another iteration of the conventional head-up display. Travers argues that legacy HUD systems have reached something close to their functional ceiling, constrained as much by limited user experience as by hardware. The next phase, he suggests, will depend less on projecting more information and more on deciding which information matters — and when. The conversation ranges from the misuse of the term "holographic" to the practical realities of integrating optical films into automotive glass supply chains. But beneath the technical detail sits a broader strategic question for carmakers: if the windshield becomes a dynamic digital surface, who controls the value - the optics specialists enabling the display, or the software platforms determining the experience? For OEMs, the message is clear. The technology may now be ready. The industry's imagination, perhaps, is still catching up. Andy Travers [Source: Ceres Holographics] We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Reach out to us at autology@spglobal.com, and discover more insights at autotechinsight.spglobal.com. Don't forget to hit the subscribe, follow, and like buttons to stay updated with the latest episodes of Autology. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Watt’s the big idea: South Korea’s next generation battery moves

Today's episode of Autology takes you inside InterBattery 2026 in Seoul to decode what the world's biggest battery players are really signaling right now. This year's show didn't just feel like an EV-focused expo—it felt like a turning point: a broader, sharper and a growing race to win the next era of batteries – not just for EVs but also for rapidly evolving applications in energy storage, AI, robots, and beyond. Key highlights include: a) A government warning with a deadline: We unpack Vice Minister Moon Shin-Hak's '5–7 years' message—why Korea sees a narrowing strategic window to restructure its value chain, strengthen domestic materials, and stay globally competitive amid US–China tech rivalry and supply chain realignment. b) LG Energy Solution: First public reveal of its LMR battery co-developed with General Motors, plus bipolar and sodium-ion technologies—showing leadership beyond conventional EV narratives. c) SK On: Prismatic innovation and thermal management, including the 'on-vent prismatic cell' concept designed for better safety and design flexibility. d) Samsung SDI: A deliberate pivot away from automotive imagery toward ESS solutions for the AI era, led by its Samsung Battery Box (SBB) line-up. e) Materials players (POSCO, EcoPro, LG Chem, L&F): A strong value-chain push around critical minerals, recycling, and safety materials, including LG Chem's thermal runaway-delaying plastics and Nexula aerogel insulation. f) Battery for AI, AI for Battery: How AI data centers are accelerating ESS demand, while battery companies increasingly use AI in diagnostics, defect reduction, and materials/cell optimization. g) Non-EV applications take center stage: From robots and drones to micro-mobility, aerospace, and even defense-related discussions, this episode tracks the widening commercial map for batteries well beyond passenger EVs. h) The ESS pivot—and why Korea may differ from the US: While US plants are redirecting capacity from EV batteries into ESS, South Korea may move toward a balanced mixed-production model, supported by 2030 EV adoption targets and ESS tenders. i) Solid-state – prestige, but smaller-scale first: A key insight—solid-state commercialization appears to be gravitating toward robots and specialized applications before EV-scale deployment, reflecting practical limits around size, yield, and mass production readiness. j) LFP pressure and China's equipment edge: The episode closes on the most commercially urgent theme: Korean makers racing to scale LFP (largely for ESS)—and the growing influence of Chinese manufacturing equipment suppliers, highlighted by Wuxi Lead Intelligent Equipment winning a major award and broader adoption of Chinese production tools across Korean cell makers. Speakers: John Ahn, Senior Research Analyst, Battery, S&P Global Mobility Amit Panday, Host and Senior Research Analyst, S&P Global Mobility We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode at autology@spglobal.com, and you can find much more at autotechinsight.ihsmarkit.com. Don't forget to subscribe, follow, and like to stay updated with the latest Autology podcasts!

CAM Jam: The Cathode Race

Today's episode of Autology dives deep into the pivotal role of cathode active materials (CAM) in shaping the future of global battery manufacturing and electric vehicle (EV) adoption. The speakers break down why CAM is the most expensive and performance-critical component in EV batteries, how it influences cost, energy density, and cycle life, and what this means for automakers and consumers worldwide. Key highlights include: CAM Overview: CAM, comprising materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt, accounts for up to 45% of battery cell costs and is central to battery performance. The episode explains the chemistry behind CAM, its impact on battery affordability, and the technical trade-offs between LFP and NCM chemistries. Industry Momentum: China currently dominates the CAM and LFP supply chain, holding over 80% market share, but new government policies are reshaping the landscape by tightening standards and restricting advanced technology exports. Meanwhile, Europe and North America are accelerating efforts to localize CAM production, with new investments and projects aiming to reduce reliance on imports. Policy Support & Future Outlook: The discussion covers recent policy moves, such as [mainland] China's anti-involution measures and export controls, changes in VAT rebates and Europe's Industrial Accelerator Act, all of which are influencing supply chain strategies and investment. The future of CAM will be shaped by ongoing innovation in battery chemistries, regional policy shifts, and the race to build resilient, cost-competitive supply chains outside [mainland] China. This episode offers a front-row seat to understanding the global race for battery supremacy, revealing how CAM supply chains are at the heart of EV affordability, innovation, and geopolitical strategy. Tune in to hear expert insights on market trends, policy impacts, and what's next for the world's battery makers. Speakers: Ali Adim, Manager, Battery Research, Supply Chain & Technology, S&P Global Mobility. Eileen Wu, Senior Research Analyst, Battery, S&P Global Mobility. Amit Panday, Host and Senior Research Analyst, S&P Global Mobility. We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode at autology@spglobal.com, and you can find much more at autotechinsight.ihsmarkit.com. Don't forget to subscribe, follow, and like to stay updated with the latest Autology podcasts!

Supplier Soundbytes: When software takes the wheel

In the automotive industry, some technologies spend decades in the realm of promise before quietly becoming inevitable. Steer-by-wire is one of them. For years, the idea of removing the mechanical link between the steering wheel and the road wheels felt more like a concept-car talking point than a near-term engineering reality. Yet in the latest episode of Supplier Soundbytes, S&P Global Mobility's concise Autology podcast series, that assumption is challenged. Our guest is Jake Morris, portfolio director for steer-by-wire at ZF Group, and his message is straightforward: The conditions that once delayed steer-by-wire have largely disappeared. The key shift lies in the rapid emergence of the software-defined vehicle. Modern electric platforms increasingly rely on centralized computing architectures, advanced electronics and integrated control systems. In such an environment, the steering system is no longer an isolated mechanical device but part of a broader digital ecosystem that governs how a car moves. That change matters. Traditional steering relies on a physical column linking the steering wheel to the front axle. Steer-by-wire replaces this connection with electronic signals, sensors and actuators. For decades, concerns about safety, redundancy and reliability kept the technology at bay. Today, Morris argues, those concerns have largely been addressed. Production-ready systems now feature redundant safety architectures and high-integrity actuators designed to meet stringent global standards. If the technology itself is largely solved, the real challenge has shifted elsewhere: integration. For carmakers, adopting steer-by-wire is less about replacing a single component than about rethinking how multiple vehicle systems interact. Steering must work seamlessly with braking, propulsion and suspension control. The aim is not simply functional integration but coordinated vehicle dynamics — what suppliers increasingly describe as "motion control." This shift carries strategic implications for manufacturers. Carmakers must ensure that their vehicles retain a distinctive driving character even as control systems become more software-driven and modular. In other words, the digitalization of steering should not erase brand identity. Achieving that balance requires common control architectures that allow scale across platforms while preserving the nuances that differentiate one brand from another. Yet the most striking implications of steer-by-wire may lie beyond the engineering department. Once the mechanical steering column disappears, designers gain freedoms that were previously impossible. Without a shaft running from the cockpit to the front axle, vehicle packaging becomes more flexible. Crash structures can be re-engineered, cabin layouts reconsidered and interior design reimagined. The driver experience changes as well. Steering characteristics — such as ratio, responsiveness and feedback — can be tuned entirely through software. At low speeds, the system can prioritize manoeuvrability; at high speeds, stability. Over-the-air updates may even allow manufacturers to refine steering feel long after the vehicle leaves the factory. In the longer term, steer-by-wire also aligns neatly with the ambitions of automated driving. A steering wheel that is no longer mechanically connected can retract, remain stationary or operate differently depending on the driving mode. For Morris, the conclusion is clear. Steer-by-wire is not merely a technical upgrade but a foundational element of the next generation of vehicles. As deployments begin across major automotive markets this year, the technology will generate real-world data and feedback, accelerating further development. In that sense, the real story is not about removing a mechanical linkage. It is about transforming the chassis from a collection of components into an intelligent, software-coordinated system — one that promises new levels of adaptability, efficiency and design freedom. And after years of anticipation, the industry appears ready to steer in that direction. Jake Morris Image source: ZF We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Reach out to us at autology@spglobal.com, and discover more insights at autotechinsight.spglobal.com. Don't forget to hit the subscribe, follow and like buttons to stay updated with the latest episodes of Autology. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Supplier Soundbytes: Rare earths, real politics

For years, rare earth elements were the wallflowers of the electric vehicle revolution: chemically exotic, geopolitically awkward and largely ignored. Lithium and cobalt stole the limelight. Rare earths — essential to the permanent magnets that power electric motors — were treated as a niche sustainability concern, a footnote to the main act. No longer. As supply chains fray and industrial policies harden, rare earths have been recast as instruments of national security. Control over them increasingly shapes trade policy, investment screening and corporate strategy. Carmakers that once asked how "green" their materials were now ask how secure they are. The shift is subtle but profound: from carbon accounting to strategic resilience. That is the backdrop to the latest episode of Supplier Soundbytes, part of S&P Global Mobility's Autology series. In it, Ahmad Ghahreman, founder and chief executive of Cyclic Materials, argues that the future of electromobility may depend less on what is mined than on what is recovered. The numbers explain the anxiety. The bulk of rare-earth mining — and an even greater share of processing — takes place in a single country. Deposits elsewhere are often deep, dispersed or environmentally fraught. Even when ores are dug up outside Asia, they are frequently shipped back there for separation and refining. The result is a supply chain that is efficient in calm times, but brittle in turbulent ones. Ghahreman's contention is that recycling offers not merely an environmental salve but a strategic hedge. Unlike mining, which is hostage to geology, recycling is governed by product cycles and policy choices. End-of-life motors, wind turbines and electronics constitute what he calls an "overground deposit" — a stock of material already extracted, processed and embedded in goods now reaching obsolescence. In North America and Europe, that urban mine is growing quietly each year. Particularly striking is the distinction between light and heavy rare earths. The latter, vital for high-performance magnets, are more geologically concentrated and more tightly controlled. Yet over decades of importing finished products, Western economies have effectively accumulated sizeable above-ground reserves of these same heavy elements. Well-executed recycling can tap that stock far faster than a new mine can be permitted, financed and built. Still, bottlenecks abound. Mining is constrained by geology and permitting; processing by capital intensity and technical know-how; end-of-life recovery by fragmented collection systems and products never designed for disassembly. Asked where the pinch point will be as EV volumes rise, Ghahreman's answer is disarmingly comprehensive: all of the above. That breadth of constraint sharpens the case for circularity. A local recycling loop, he says, shortens supply chains and anchors value domestically. It also alters the calculus for carmakers choosing motor technologies. A magnet that is marginally more efficient but dependent on a precarious supply may look less attractive once strategic risk is priced in. Yet, redesigning every vehicle for easy rare earth recovery is unrealistic. Global platforms, tight margins and long development cycles conspire against bespoke recyclability. Cyclic Materials has instead pursued what Ghahreman calls a "feedstock-agnostic" approach: technology capable of handling mixed materials — copper, aluminum, steel, plastics and magnets — without demanding that manufacturers reengineer their products first. The implication is pragmatic. Waiting for perfect design standards may delay circularity for a generation, while building robust, adaptable processing capacity could accelerate it within this decade. The message is clear enough. In the contest for clean mobility, rare earths have moved from the margins to the center, and the winners may be those who treat yesterday's waste as tomorrow's strategic reserve. Ahmad Ghahreman Source: Cyclic Materials We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Reach out to us at autology@spglobal.com and discover more insights at autotechinsight.spglobal.com. Don't forget to hit the subscribe, follow and like buttons to stay updated with the latest episodes of Autology. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Supplier Soundbytes: When cars learn to reason

Supplier Soundbytes: The car is learning to talk back

The modern car is already a rolling computer. Now it is being taught to converse. In Supplier Soundbytes, S&P Global Mobility's new concise podcast series, industry executives dissect the forces reshaping the automotive supply chain. In this episode, Dr Moritz Neukirchner, Senior Director, Head of Cross-Portfolio Growth and Strategic Alliances for Elektrobit, argues that AI agents are poised to become the organising interface of the software-defined vehicle (SDV)—not a decorative add-on, but a functional necessity. At the 2026 CES in Las Vegas, carmakers and suppliers showcased AI copilots designed not merely to chat, but to manage the growing complexity of the modern vehicle—adjusting drive modes, configuring advanced driver-assistance systems, personalising cabin settings and navigating increasingly layered infotainment menus through natural conversation. The ambition is less about booking dinner than orchestrating the car itself. Yet, as Dr Neukirchner observes, the leap from demonstration to dependable deployment is slower than the hype suggests. The obstacle is not only technical. It reflects the awkward realities of regulation, computing power and trust. Privacy regimes differ sharply between Europe, America and China. Carmakers must decide which data may leave the vehicle and which must remain within it. The emerging answer is "edge AI": inference performed inside the car. Processing on board reduces latency, limits data-transfer costs and helps satisfy regulators wary of cloud dependency. Yet the cloud will remain indispensable. Training models, pushing updates and handling compute-intensive workloads will continue to rely on remote infrastructure. The likely outcome is a hybrid architecture, with responsibilities divided between vehicle and server according to use case and jurisdiction. Beneath the technical debate lies a larger shift. As vehicles become more software-driven, their functionality grows more intricate. Without a new interface, complexity risks overwhelming the driver. AI agents, argues Dr Neukirchner, may become the layer that renders the SDV usable. In that sense, they are less a novelty than a necessity. Dr. Moritz Neukirchner We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Reach out to us at autology@spglobal.com, and discover more insights at autotechinsight.spglobal.com. Don't forget to hit the subscribe, follow, and like buttons to stay updated with the latest episodes of Autology. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Bidirectional charging technologies and their role in global EV adoption

Today's episode of Autology attempts to discuss and examine the critical role of bidirectional charging (BDC) in enhancing the adoption of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) globally. The speakers discuss what are the different types of bidirectional charging technologies, and why are they key to grid stability amid increasing vehicle electrification. Key highlights include: BDC Overview: BDC allows EVs to both receive and send electricity, transforming them into energy storage solutions that can help balance supply and demand on power grids. Use Cases: The technology supports various applications, including Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) for grid services, Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) for backup power, and broader Vehicle-to-X (V2X) functionalities. Industry Momentum: Major automakers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volkswagen are advancing BDC capabilities, with Nissan recognized as a pioneer in V2G technology. Policy Support: Regulatory frameworks in the EU, US, and Australia/New Zealand are promoting standardization and cybersecurity for BDC deployment. Future Outlook: By 2035, over 40% of EVs are expected to feature BDC capabilities, creating opportunities for charger manufacturers and utility partnerships. This episode underscores the potential of BDC to facilitate a sustainable energy ecosystem while boosting EV adoption. Tune in to this episode of Autology to hear about an in-depth discussion about the bidirectional charging technology, the benefits and potential challenges and S&P Global Mobility's outlook on its adoption. Speakers: Diana Quezada, Senior Research Analyst, Charging Technologies, S&P Global Mobility Amit Panday, Host and Senior Research Analyst, S&P Global Mobility. We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode at our autology@spglobal.com email, and you can find out much more across the autotechinsight.ihsmarkit.com website. Don't forget to hit all the subscribe, follow and like buttons to stay on track with the latest Autology podcasts!

The Steel Deal: Lightweighting the Future of EVs

In this episode of Autology, Matthew Beecham sits down with Mengyin Tao, Principal Research Analyst for Materials at S&P Global Mobility, and Ingo Olschewski, Director of WorldAutoSteel, to explore how advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) is reshaping modern vehicle design and manufacturing. Tune in to gain insights into the challenges and opportunities created by the rapid shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) - from the growing demand for lightweight materials to the ongoing need to maximize safety and performance. The conversation delves into innovative fabrication methods such as tailor-welded blanks and hydroforming, which boost structural integrity while cutting weight and production costs. Join us to discover how AHSS is driving innovation across the automotive industry and supporting its evolving sustainability ambitions. Don't miss this opportunity to hear expert perspectives on the future of automotive materials. Speakers: · Ingo Olschewski, Director of WorldAutoSteel · Mengyin Tao, Principal Research Analyst for Materials at S&P Global Mobility · Matthew Beecham, Moderator and Research Manager, S&P Global Mobility We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Reach out to us at autology@spglobal.com, and discover more insights at autotechinsight.spglobal.com. Don't forget to hit the subscribe, follow, and like buttons to stay updated with the latest episodes of Autology. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Exploring the dynamics of automotive software development

Over the past decade, automotive software development has transitioned from a supporting function to a core driver of innovation within the automotive industry. As vehicles become increasingly connected, autonomous, and electrified, the demand for sophisticated software solutions continues to surge. Understanding the evolving forces shaping this landscape is essential for stakeholders aiming to make informed procurement and investment choices. From regulatory shifts to technological breakthroughs, several key forces influence the development and deployment of automotive software services. These dynamics not only impact how companies approach vendor selection but also define the strategic priorities necessary to stay competitive in a rapidly changing environment. Our software-defined vehicle (SDV) Senior Analyst Vivek Beriwal hosts Justin Moon, VP of Core Product Engineering at QNX, to discuss how automotive software development is currently placed, what are the key challenges for the developers, and how developers are increasingly adopting regionalized software development strategies. Tune in to get a nuanced perspective on how automotive software development industry is evolving globally. Speakers: Vivek Beriwal, SDV Senior Analyst, S&P Global Mobility Justin Moon, VP of Core Product Engineering at QNX Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Light up the night: ADB in North America – Challenges and opportunities

Having been approved by regulations in 2022, adaptive driving beams have finally entered the North American market. Despite being adopted en masse in Europe, only two OEMs in the US have rolled out the technology. Our lighting expert Tanya Chantiri hosts Arunkumar Pesala, automotive lighting engineer at SL America Corporation, to discuss the reason for the delay, the slow adoption rates post-approval and the potential growth of the technology in the near future. Tune in to find out how and why North America's regulations and standards are more stringent than its European counterpart, as well as when the region can expect to see high-volume uptake of ADB. Speakers: Arunkumar Pesala, automotive lighting engineer, SL America Corporation Tanya Chantiri, lighting expert, S&P Global Mobility Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify

The mobility makeover: NVIDIA, AI, and the changing face of the car

In this episode of Autology, host Phil Amsrud sits down with Ali Kani, Vice President of Automotive at NVIDIA, to unpack the biggest breakthroughs from the 2025 IAA Mobility show. As the automotive industry reaches a critical inflection point, the conversation focuses on the rise of Automated Driving Control (ADC) solutions and whether we are finally entering the long-anticipated era of the Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV). Offering exclusive insights from one of the industry's most influential voices, this episode explores how NVIDIA is shaping the future of mobility—through powerful partnerships with OEMs like Mercedes-Benz, a rapidly evolving DRIVE OS software stack, and innovations in end-to-end AI that promise to transform vehicle performance, safety, and architecture. From silicon to system, Ali Kani sheds light on how new platforms and software-defined architectures are redefining what vehicles can do—and how fast they can evolve. We cut through the industry hype to spotlight the real challenges, opportunities, and technical leaps that are driving the next generation of electric and autonomous vehicles. Join us as we chart the road ahead with NVIDIA—and discover how software, data, and AI are becoming the new engines of mobility. Speakers: · Ali Kani, Vice President and general manager of NVIDIA's automotive team · Phil Amsrud, Senior Principal Analyst for the automotive semiconductor research area, S&P Global Mobility We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Reach out to us at autology@spglobal.com, and discover more insights at autotechinsight.spglobal.com. Don't forget to hit the subscribe, follow, and like buttons to stay updated with the latest episodes of Autology. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify