Jeff Schuster

    

Group Head and Executive Vice President 
Automotive for Global Data, parent of LMC Automotive
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Opening Keynote: The Outlook for the Global Automotive Market – Growth at a Crossroad (again)

The global automotive industry has reached a critical period amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic and the subsequent post-pandemic recovery landscape. As uncertainties persist and transform, the industry is at a crossroad, facing new and diverse variables. The shift towards electrification has encountered a significant change in direction, with potential variations across different markets. This discussion will explore the trends and obstacles influencing the future of the automotive sector, while evaluating the prospects in both the short-term and long-term.

    

    

Randy Beals

    

Global Engineering Specialist 
Magna International
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Navigating New Roads: Gigacastings Driving Change in Automotive Manufacturing

The automotive industry is navigating a transformative phase in manufacturing, challenged by Tesla's gigacasting technology that represents a paradigm shift in vehicle design and production that reduces assembly time and cost. Since Tesla has introduced the technology in 2020, it has been adopted by many automakers such as Toyota and Volvo, etc., and has been notably embraced by China EV OEMs such as Geely, Nio and XPeng. However, this technology is still relatively new and there are significant engineering challenges and uncertainties that must be addressed before its economic advantages can be reliably compared against the equally ginormous capital investment. In addition, there are concerns about repair and insurance costs associated with replacing entire underbodies. There is a growing debate of a hybrid approach integrating three-piece aluminum “megacastings” that are joined for vehicle underbodies, including components for battery storage to allow more focus on cost containment, casting quality and operational stability.

    

    

James Taylor

    

Executive Sales Director, North America 
Cummins-Meritor
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Evolving Trends in the Commercial Vehicle Market

The trucking industry is in the lifeblood of every consumer in North America. Just about everything that we use or consume is delivered by a truck. The trucking industry continues to evolve with many dynamic operational conditions. This presentation will elaborate on some of the details of the trucking industry and how OEM and suppliers are changing to adapt.

    

    

Colton Sampson

    

Director of Business Development & Partnerships 
Machina Labs
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Reimagining Automotive Manufacturing
with Robotics and AI

Twenty-first century OEMs and suppliers can’t compromise on speed and performance in today’s competitive market. What if you could go from design to test to manufactured part faster and cheaper than ever before? Software-defined factories simplify hardware manufacturing to rapidly produce sustainable and economically viable products with a click of a mouse rather than extensive hardware changes to tooling and machinery. Colton Sampson of Machina Labs will share an overview of how software-defined factories and dieless production with robotics and AI enables aftermarket parts and low-volume product variants previously cost-prohibitive with traditional stamping.

    

    

Sandy Munro

    

CEO 
Munro & Associates, Inc.
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The Times Are Changing…What Is Your Plan for Survival?

One year ago, OEMs were scrambling to get EVs into the market, but then they changed their minds and switched back to ICE. Now it’s hybrids. If the OEMs can’t decide, what is the tier community supposed to do? Sandy’s views differ from some other consultants, but a few OEM CEO’s have said, “Sandy has the most accurate track record.” In his presentation, Sandy will offer a few suggestions as to what the opportunities are for the tier community.

    

    

Bucky Strong

    

CEO 
Tohoom
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Denis Wills

    

Head of Global Sales 
BorgWarner Emissions Systems of Michigan Inc.
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From Skepticism to Enthusiasm—BorgWarner’s Sales
Intelligence Management Transformation

Automotive suppliers often struggle to prioritize information technology investments due to cost management objectives versus the difficulty of delivering the true value of software investments. BorgWarner, however, aligned these aims under the leadership of Denis Wills, head of global sales. Recognizing inefficiencies in dealing with the complexities of global OEM customers, Denis spearheaded the adoption of the Tohoom Commercial Intelligence Management system. This session will explore BorgWarner’s journey, highlighting the global implementation of the system across all business units, sales teams and manufacturing facilities. Key capabilities include long-range planning, volume and pricing management, pursuit management, target setting and win/loss analysis, and claims management. Discover how Tohoom’s innovative cloud-software delivery and support, aligned with BorgWarner’s cultural shift, has transformed skepticism into enthusiastic acceptance.