Auto News Weekly: 08/10 - 08/16
Happy Friday LinkedIn! This is week three of Auto News Weekly where I recap the latest developments in the automotive industry. This week, I've identified five trends and news stories that are shaping the future of the industry. Here's my take on what they could mean for the industry and consumers.
Mercedes-Benz's Level 4 Autonomous Driving Tests in Beijing: Mercedes-Benz USA Mercedes-Benz AG #mercedesbenz #AV #autonomousvehicles #slalom #data
MB has made significant strides, this past week, by launching Level 4 autonomous driving tests in Beijing. This milestone indicates their dedication to leading the autonomous vehicle (AV) space, especially in critical global markets like China.
What This Means:
Data. Tons, and tons of data. This advancement underscores the critical role that data plays in the future of AV. These vehicles rely heavily on vast amounts of real-time data to make split-second decisions on the road to keep their passengers and others safe. The sensors, cameras, LIDAR, and radar systems integrated into the vehicle continuously captures and processes data, allowing the car to understand its environment, predict the actions of others on the road and respond appropriately.
For MB this means a substantial increase for robust data infrastructure and processing capabilities; and it begs the larger question: How can this data be used beyond the vehicle itself? Just think about the potential impact on broader traffic management, road safety, and even urban planning. Could the insights reduce congestion, optimize traffic flow, or enhance emergency response times? In my opinion, it's really about how the data they collect could be used to transform entire cities.
First Potassium-Ion Battery Unveiled: Group1 #lithium-ion #potassium-ion #potassiumion #startup #slalom #walmart
Potassium? Yup, you got it! The introduction of the potassium-ion battery by a startup, Group1, offers a sustainable and potentially more cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries. This innovation could significantly impact the EV landscape by reducing dependency on rare and costly materials like cobalt.
What This Means:
What immediately comes to my mind are the 'cities of the future.' The Billionaires who have selected specific areas around the world to create their utopia. I must admit, the most enticing one is being designed by ex-CEO and President of Walmart, Marc Lore , https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/telosa-city-of-the-future - an amazing and ambitious project to say the least.
The introduction of potassium-ion changes the entire landscape of the EV market. This breakthrough in potassium-ion battery technology will revolutionize the EV market, making electric vehicles not only more accessible but also significantly more sustainable. The implications of this innovation are vast, as it could drastically reduce reliance on costly and scarce materials like cobalt, which have long been a bottleneck in battery production. This shift can also lower the cost of EVs, making them more affordable for a broader range of consumers, while also addressing critical environmental and ethical concerns. As the industry moves towards a greener future, this development could accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles on a global scale, driving forward the transition to sustainable transportation.
Slowdown in Automotive Chip Market Growth: #automotive #slalom #chipmarket #supplychain
This past week, it was announced that after a period of rapid growth, the automotive chip market is experiencing a slowdown. This trend could have wide-reaching implication for production timelines and the pace of innovation within the automotive sector.
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What This Means:
This slowdown challenges the industry to rethink its approach to technology deployment and supply chain management. [Selfish plug alert] From my vantage point, it's a critical moment for automakers to optimize their existing technology and explore alternative supply chain strategies. Luckily, here at Slalom, we're well-positioned to help our clients adapt to these market shifts, ensuring they remain agile and resilient in the face of change [end of selfish plug].
The industry giants Waymo and Tesla announced this past week that they will be intensifying their investment into Level 4 and Level 5 AV. This marks a significant push towards achieving fully autonomous driving, with the potential to transform mobility as we know it.
What This Means:
The race towards full autonomy is heating up. These past few weeks we've heard the major announcements from leading OEMs and technology companies on their focus of AV and it's clear that collaboration and innovation are keys to the success, but what's missing is the need for sustainable, scalable and reliable data infrastructure. How well are these organizations setup? What is the long-term data strategy to bring tangible impact to the cities in which they service? More to come on that.
Sustainable Manufacturing Practices in Automotive: BMW of North America Toyota Motor Corporation 福特 #sustainability #EV #supplychain
This past week, notable OEMs have been highlighted for their commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices. Specifically, companies like BMW, Ford, and Toyota have made significant strides in integrating recycled materials into their production processes and utilizing alternative fuels. BMW has been particularly noted for its use of recycle dmaterials and efforts to reduce carbon emissions across its supply chain. Ford is focusing on sustainable sourcing of materials, and Toyota continues to lead with innovations in hydrogen fuel cell technology as part of its broader sustainability goals.
What This Means:
These efforts highlight the industry's shift toward greener manufacturing methods, reflecting a growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible vehicles. Sustainability is becoming a critical component of OEM strategies, influencing everything from material sourcing to energy use and beyond.
The only question is, will this continue? As climate changes impact areas around the world, will other organizations across all industries make such a effort? I hope so.
Each of these trends represent both a challenge and an opportunity for the industry. At Slalom, we're not just observers - we're active partners in helping our clients navigate these shifts. Whether it's through driving technological innovation, optimizing supply chain, or embracing sustainability, we're here to guide your business to success in this rapidly evolving landscape. Let's connect and explore how we can accelerate your journey.
As always, looking forward to hearing your thoughts, stay safe everyone!