Automotive Insiders

In this episode of Automotive Insiders, host Jason Stein sits down with Jason Versicle 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.