Automotive Insiders

Tariffs. EV program delays. Contract disputes. Workforce shortages. For automotive suppliers, the challenges aren't arriving one at a time—they're colliding all at once. Today, we're joined by David DeVine of Butzel to discuss how suppliers can navigate one of the most complex operating environments the industry has faced in years.

Tariffs and supply chain disruption aren’t going away—but they can be leveraged. Mary Buchzeiger, CEO of Lucerne International, explains how suppliers can unlock cash flow, improve control, and turn volatility into opportunity.

Forget AI hype—most suppliers don’t need smarter tools, they need better workflows. William Crane of OrbAid breaks down why “CLAW” may be the real key to turning AI into results.

Automotive manufacturers are still managing billions in direct spend through email and spreadsheets. Spencer Penn, co-founder and CEO of Lightsource.ai, explains how aligning engineering, procurement, and suppliers at the BOM level can unlock speed, efficiency, and cost savings.

The next competitive advantage for suppliers may come down to geography. Tony Hayes of IDA Ireland breaks down why Ireland is emerging as a strategic location for automotive, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.

Today’s vehicles are as much software platforms as they are machines — and that’s changing everything for suppliers. Partners Vanessa Miller and Nicholas Ellis of Foley & Lardner LLP break down how IP, data, and AI are reshaping contracts, risk, and ownership in the automotive industry.

Automotive suppliers are facing rising costs, shifting tariffs, and contracts that weren’t built for today’s reality. Foley & Lardner LLP partners Nicholas Ellis and Vanessa Miller explain how suppliers can protect margins, find leverage, and rethink their approach in a volatile market.

AI in automotive is no longer a concept—it’s a competitive advantage, but only if you know where to apply it. On this episode of Automotive Insiders, Ajay Chawla, CEO of OnTrac AI, breaks down how OEMs, suppliers, and fleet operators are turning AI into real-world results—and why adoption is now the missing link.

M&A activity among automotive suppliers is back—but the deals are more complex than ever. With tariff-driven risk and distressed transactions, Jennifer Dudley of Warner Norcross + Judd breaks down what’s really happening behind the scenes—and what buyers and sellers need to know now.

Rivian is in scale mode and, in part 2 of our interview, Chief Operations Officer Javier Varela joins Automotive Insiders to describe the landscape for the brand and the market in the future. 

What does it take to scale an EV startup into a global manufacturer—without losing its DNA? Rivian Chief Operations Officer Javier Varela joins Automotive Insiders for a candid, two-part deep dive into leadership, production, and the future of the brand.

Manufacturers have no shortage of cost-saving ideas — the real challenge is execution and proving the financial impact. On this episode of Automotive Insiders, Amarish Kapadia of MiNDCAN explains how the Profit+ platform is helping manufacturers turn hundreds of improvement initiatives into measurable profit.

Jonathan Lane, VP of Solutions at Redzone from QAD, joins Automotive Insiders to explain how technology isn’t replacing the workforce — it’s redefining it. From AI-assisted inspection to real-time plant-floor collaboration, he breaks down the tools suppliers must prioritize now to stay competitive over the next decade.

David Oakley of GlobalData is our guest on Automotive Insiders as we break down the macro forces reshaping supplier strategy in 2026 -- from tariffs and affordability pressure to the rise of a multi-powertrain future.

In this episode of Automotive Insiders, host Jason Stein sits down with Jason Versical of Campfire Interactive and Joe McCarthy of Cover 4 PM to unpack how unifying commercial planning with program execution is reshaping profitability for suppliers. 

Machine learning is transforming production — but culture determines whether transformation sticks. Martinrea CEO Pat D’Eramo reveals how people and technology are advancing together.

The Automotive News PACE Awards have long been a gold standard for supplier innovation—but what do judges really value most? Jason Stein sits down with Douglas Ober, head of PACE judging, to reveal how credibility, customer adoption, and clear storytelling define today’s top automotive breakthroughs.

From AI in the cockpit to autonomous trucking, from agentic AI in factories to the challenge of earning public trust in technology — in part two of this episode, Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein sits down with Paul Thomas, President of Bosch in North America for an exploration of what’s to come.

At CES 2026, Bosch made a clear statement: the future of mobility isn’t just electric — it’s intelligent. In part one of this episode of Automotive Insiders, Jason Stein sits down with Paul Thomas, President of Bosch in North America, to explore the transformation to a software- and AI-driven technology platform — and what that means for the industry.

For more than 40 years, Bill Long has helped shape the voice and future of the supplier community. In this special episode, the retiring MEMA President and CEO reflects on his legacy and the next chapter for the industry he championed.

Automotive procurement teams are stuck in endless firefighting and AI is offering a way out. Arkestro’s Head of Automotive, Ron Collman, reveals how smarter sourcing decisions are already transforming cost, risk, and speed.

Suppliers are sitting on billions in stranded capital and AI is finally unlocking it. Infor’s Peter Maithel explains how smarter factories create a measurable competitive edge.

As a USMCA renegotiation looms, suppliers face critical choices about where future programs belong. Arthur D. Little reveals the factors that will determine whether North America remains a winning manufacturing hub.

Suppliers are facing unprecedented complexity — and the old tools can’t keep up. Tohoom joins Automotive Insiders to explain how digitized commercial intelligence is becoming a new competitive advantage.

AI has transformed automotive manufacturing — now it’s poised to reinvent how vehicles are sold. Jonas Wagner, partner and managing director, of AlixPartners explains why the next growth engine will be customer-facing AI.

Sustainability reporting is becoming a maze for auto suppliers. With conflicting state laws, global standards, and unclear federal direction, where do you even start? In this episode of Automotive Insiders, Jason Stein talks with Steptoe & Johnson’s Randy Whitlatch about how suppliers can stay compliant and credible amid a rapidly fragmenting regulatory landscape.

Trade tensions, shifting tariffs, and rising costs are rewriting the rules for automakers in 2025. In this episode of Automotive Insiders, Jason Stein and Global Data’s David Oakley explore how policy decisions are shaping vehicle prices and the road ahead for the U.S. auto market.

Electrification is transforming the automotive landscape — and sustainability is now at the heart of every battery breakthrough. In this episode of Automotive Insiders, Jason Stein talks with Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s Matt Orlando about how innovation, transparency and circular design are powering a cleaner, more sustainable battery future.

The EV transition hinges on the battery supply chain — but tariffs, trade policy, and shifting incentives are adding new complexities. In this episode of Automotive Insiders, Jason Stein talks with Gabrielle Aversa of S&P Global Mobility about how these pressures are affecting automakers, reshaping strategies, and influencing consumer adoption of electric vehicles.

As the industry reshapes around electrification, trade shifts and new technologies, a strong and diverse supplier base has never mattered more. MEMA’s Collin Shaw and Steve Horaney join Jason Stein to discuss how suppliers can grow, connect, and seize opportunity — including what to expect at the upcoming Supplier Business Connection event this November.

ZF’s Chassis 2.0 is redefining how braking, steering, and suspension systems work — replacing traditional mechanics with intelligent, software-driven solutions. In this episode of Automotive Insiders, ZF’s Ramiro Gutierrez joins Jason Stein to discuss how Steer-by-Wire and Brake-by-Wire are moving mainstream, and why the chassis may hold the key to unlocking the full potential of tomorrow’s software-defined vehicles.

In this episode of Automotive Insiders, Arthur D. Little Partners Jörn Buss and Frank McCleary preview a landmark study which is set to debut at the MEMA OE Suppliers Annual Conference. It highlights solvable barriers, supply chain resilience, and strategies suppliers can act on today. Listen now for insights shaping the next era of U.S. manufacturing.

Costs, labor, and global competition are reshaping the backbone of auto manufacturing. In this episode of Automotive Insiders, Wipfli’s Laurie Harbour breaks down the challenges, opportunities, and what’s ahead at the MEMA/Wipfli 2025 Tooling and Supply Update.

Global trade uncertainty continues to shape the automotive industry. In our latest Automotive Insiders episode, Jeffrey Richardson of Miller Canfield unpacks the U.S.–China negotiations, the ripple effects of tariffs, and what USMCA means for suppliers. Get timely insights on compliance challenges, industry advocacy, and how leaders can prepare for the next round of trade talks.

Supplier disputes are on the rise — and the stakes have never been higher. In this episode of Automotive Insiders, Adam Ratliff of Warner Norcross + Judd explains why litigation is surging, how new legal rulings are changing the game, and what steps you can take to protect your business before it’s too late.

On this episode of Automotive Insiders, Butzel’s Mitch Zajac breaks down the legal implications in today’s supply chain — from volume fluctuations and tariffs to force majeure clauses and sustainability mandates.

Accuride CEO Kent Jones joins Automotive Insiders to talk EVs, durability, smart coatings — and why the road ahead is built on lighter, tougher, more connected wheels..

What does the future of commercial vehicles look like in a world of electrification, AI, and shifting regulations? Allison Transmission’s John Coll and MEMA’s Collin Shaw join Automotive Insiders to break down the transformation already underway.

Can North America stay competitive without long-term investment certainty? Michael Robinet of S&P Global joins Automotive Insiders to reveal what’s at stake for suppliers in an era of policy, tariff and EV whiplash.

Is the EV revolution hitting the brakes? Dykema Senior Counsel Jay Logel joins Automotive Insiders to break down what shifting policies mean for suppliers on the front lines.

Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein interviews Amarish Kapadia, Global Head of Sales & Product Strategy at MiNDCAN, to discuss how software can tackle cost, programs, sustainability, and CRM. It’s a platform designed by practitioners to eliminate manual processes, but what does that actually mean?

Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein talks to Mark Wakefield about AlixPartners’ 2025 Global Automotive Outlook, the consulting firm’s annual in-depth industry analysis. Automotive companies must pursue a wholesale transformation of their operations if they hope to survive the existential level of disruptions currently affecting the industry, including tariffs and other geopolitical actions, less-than-expected electric-vehicle sales, the continued rise of many hyper-competitive Chinese auto companies, regionalization pressures, supply constraints, ADAS opportunities, and the shift to software-defined vehicle architectures.

From raw material shortages to labor strikes and global conflicts, suppliers are getting squeezed. What contract provisions are most critical right now to help suppliers protect themselves against unforeseen disruptions? Warner Norcross + Judd Partner Homayune Ghaussi sits down with Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein to talk supply chain disruption, pricing and inflation pressure and cross-border challenges.

Matthew Smith, President and CEO of 3C Software, talks to Automotive Insider host Jason Stein about cost management strategies for suppliers, including the challenges of dealing with the current environment. This podcast is the third in a three-part series from the MEMA OE South Carolina Regional Meeting.

In part two of our three-part series from the MEMA OE South Carolina Regional Meeting, Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein interviews David Clayton, Executive Director, CU-ICAR, to talk about the expansion of the campus, its investment in the industry and the opportunities for suppliers.

Automotive Insiders takes the podcast on the road this week to talk investment in South Carolina’s growing automotive ecosystem. In part one of a three-part series from the MEMA OE South Carolina Regional Meeting, host Jason Stein sits down with Troy Cales, President of JTEKT North America, to discuss South Carolina as a strategic focus.

The semiconductor and software-defined vehicle space is changing at a lightning pace. Where are the next frontiers and what opportunities could emerge in the technology race? Mark Ng of Texas Instruments joins Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein to discuss the key questions and answers.

Whether the issue is ICE vs. EVs, tariffs or the desire for more growth, the headwinds in the space are numerous for suppliers. What’s the best way to chart a path in an uncertain future? Brad Hehl, EY-Parthenon’s auto mobility practice leader, talks about resiliency and reshaping supplier business with host Jason Stein.

What are the goals and objectives on sustainability and where are the challenges. On this Earth Day, we take a closer look from the MEMA perspective and the supplier view with guests Bryan Russell, Senior Director of the MEMA Center for Sustainability, and  Heather Pishalski, Executive Director of Sustainability at American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM)

What are the trade tools being used in the tariff decisions and what is the planning that needs to occur in order to lower costs and reduce risk? Mark Ludwig, national leader of RSM’s trade and tariff advisory services, joins Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein to discuss best practices on tariffs and answers key questions.