Tech Talks: Automotive Trends Presented by HELLA

Today we talk with Diana Toda and Oana Niculescu from HELLA's DigiLab. The duo dive into really interesting topics around process simplification, digitalization tools and continuous improvement. They share some of things that their team is working on that help position HELLA as a world wide technology leader both with products but also internal processes. In our conversation, we answer questions like what is an RPA? Are we talking actual robots? How intricate are these bots? Do they really make an impact on the business?

Today we talk with Jerry Quandt, the Executive Director for the Illinois Autonomous Vehicle Association. Jerry shares his interesting perspective on connected autonomous vehicles and how it will change the landscape of mobility. We talk about how AVs extend further than city driving, they already exist in Mining, Farming and rural environments. We answer questions like how is automated driving making a difference in more than just getting someone from home to their job? What is barrier-free mobility and how can this completely change the way we look at mobility? Truly, are the possibilities endless when it comes to changing lives with AVs?

Today we talk with Mathias Niedling from HELLA's L-Lab. Mathias shares his insight on some technologies that they are working on. Some of these technologies include connected lighting and how lighting impacts more than you think. HELLA works with students at local universities, to bring new ideas for research and development. Mathias answers questions about connected lighting technologies and how that changes the landscape of how energy is used in an EV. Can headlamps work with cameras? how does more efficient lighting increase safety in more than one way? Are we really talking about holography?

Today we talk with Mike O'Kronley, CEO of Battery Resourcers. Mike brings a lot of insight on the process of recycling lithium-ion batteries and the economic and environmental impact that this brings. The industry is booming with conversations around Electric Vehicles...but what do we do when the battery is no longer usable? How do we get the most out of lithium-ion batteries? Can the scrap material be used for other things? Is recycling the batteries actually making an environmental impact? What is the incentive for making the extra effort to recycling these batteries?

Today we talk with Dawn Thompson, Director of Marketing & Communications at American Center for Mobility. Dawn gets into topics like what does mobility really mean? What is American Center for Mobility doing for the future of mobility? Is the research and development that is being done today really making an impact for tomorrow? In reality, when will we see autonomous vehicles on the road?

Today we talk with Alex Warnecke from HELLA's E-Lab. Alex shares his knowledge of research and development for sensors and electronics. He talks about the importance of  collaboration with universities and how doing so brings new ideas and innovation. We discuss topics like the importance of road damage detection sensors to prevent damage for automated vehicles. How are we working to prevent people from losing concentration as we reach level 3 AVs? How do we make sure we are researching the right technologies with the right buy in and the right investments?

Today we talk with Katelyn Davis, Co-Author of Women Driven Mobility. Katelyn shares some interesting insights on women in mobility and the many ways that gender plays a role. Should gender be considered in vehicle testing? Does snow plowing truly affect women differently than men? What steps need to be taken to be able to create and grow a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion supported community in the workforce?

Today we talk with Brian Daugherty, Chief Technology Officer for Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). Brian brings his experience in the tech side of the automotive industry to discuss the importance new sensors and technology in the vehicle. Does all this technology in the vehicle really make us safer drivers? Are we taking the right steps towards full autonomy? What is one of the most important technologies for autonomous driving safety in all weather conditions?

Today we talk with Andreas Lütkes, Executive Vice President of Sales for the Electronics division and Member of the Electronics Executive Board with HELLA. While we were challenged with learning new technologies and a working from home atmosphere over the last 18 months, Andreas kept customer relationships as a number one priority. Because of this, he feels prepared as we approach IAA, next week. Listen as we share some tips and explain how HELLA is prepared to continue conversations, whether customers are in person or virtual. 

Today we talk to Joerg Weisgerber, Member of the Electronics Executive Board at HELLA. Joerg brings his knowledge and expertise to this episode, sharing his thoughts on being future focused, how to inspire and drive strong customer relationships and creating a innovative culture. Are start-ups necessary to be successful? Are partnerships beneficial for both companies? How to do you guide an innovative culture? 

Today we talk to Carolyn Sauer, Senior Director for MICHAuto. As Michigan's only automotive cluster association, MICHAuto has the position to know exactly what the automotive industry looks like across Michigan. Carolyn gives us insights on what moves are being made for sustainable change in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Are companies being held accountable for the projected changes? How will recruiting change after over a year of remote working?

Today we talk to Dexter Sullivan from the Michigan Mobility Institute. Dexter gives us a deep dive about what he does in order to train and prepare talent for future of mobility careers. Dexter gives his opinion on topics like are we in the next mobility revolution? Should there be more of a curriculum for Mobility for young children? How do we get talent to Michigan and how do we get people to stay in Michigan?  How do we transition and train existing employees based on the new ecosystem in the world of mobility?

Today we talk to Marco Marinucci, Co-Founder and Partner of HELLA Ventures. Marco explains the function of Corporate Venture Captial and the value that CVC's bring to the industry and company growth. How do you find start ups? How do you know what the right move is? Will this company fit company metrics? Will this make a positive difference in your products? What is the place of SPACs in the market?

Follow us down this road of conversation surrounding the automotive industry. Today we talk John McElroy, President of BlueSky Productions and host of Autoline After Hours. John has his eyes and ears tuned in to what is going on in the industry right now. And based on that has a pretty good idea for what he sees coming next. We dive into topics like current disruptions in the industry. Is car ownership coming to an end? What will it take to make autonomous vehicles safe and reliable? How do we make V2X communication stronger?

Follow us down this road of conversation surrounding the automotive industry. Today we talk to Data Privacy Officer, Eike Westermann from HELLA. We discuss the importance of data privacy & how it is much more complex than just emails and social media marketing. Should we be scared of Data Privacy topics? What is GDPR? What does all of this have to do with the automotive industry?

Follow us down this road of conversation surrounding the automotive industry. Today we talk to Julie Martin, Vice President of North American OEM Sales for IHS Markit and her unique perspective on electrification using the data. We get into topics like how the pandemic changed the car buying process? How is the US market going to pivot to build EV infrastructure & the shift of range anxiety? Will the US get to net zero by 2050 and if so, what is being done to achieve that?

Follow us down this road of conversation surrounding the automotive industry. Today we talk to Trevor Pawl, Chief Mobility Officer for Michigan and his unique perspective on Mobility and the partnership of Industry and Government and how that will get us to the future of mobility and electrification. How do electric vehicles and fleets impact the future of mobility? How do policies keep up with how fast technology is moving? How do we navigate the multimodal crossover?

Come along for the ride as we jump into topics such as, What is Mobility?, The expanding electric vehicle market, the education system needed to support the future of mobility, Data Privacy, Innovation in the workplace, and so much more. Every week over the next few weeks we will release a new 20-25 minute conversation for you to enjoy. So, stay tuned for what Season 1 has in store for you.