#204 – John McElroy Round 2 | Autoline – Peak Auto & Disrupting the Automotive Industry

Building Better with Brandon Bartneck

John McElroy joins for a second time to discuss topics such as electrification, autonomy, and the concept of peak auto. McElroy shares his perspective as an automotive industry enthusiast and highlights the diverse skill sets required in the industry.

Takeaways

• The automotive industry requires diverse skill sets and drives economic growth.

• Autonomy has the potential to save lives and transform society.
• Car sales in certain regions may not significantly increase in the future.
• Automakers face the challenge of designing cost-effective vehicles. Legacy automakers can face challenges in adapting to new technologies and the shift towards electric vehicles.
• Creating separate organizations or skunk works programs can enable a more entrepreneurial approach to develop new products.
• Balancing the risks of launching new products with an all-new team, plant, and workforce is crucial.
• The Innovator's Dilemma provides examples of successful shifts in other industries.
• Chinese startups with lower cost structures pose a significant challenge to legacy automakers.
• The supply chain faces disruption as the transition to electric vehicles reduces the demand for conventional components.
• Suppliers must adapt by diversifying their offerings or finding new industries to apply their core competencies.
• Legacy automakers must find ways to design costs out of vehicles effectively.

Links:

• Show notes: http://brandonbartneck.com/futureofmobility/johnmcelroy2

• https://open.substack.com/pub/brandonbartneck/p/introducing-the-edison-manufacturing?r=1qx5wl&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
• https://www.autoline.tv/whatisad/

Bio

John McElroy is an influential thought leader in the automotive industry. He is a journalist, lecturer, commentator and entrepreneur. He created “Autoline Daily,” the first industry webcast of industry news and analysis. He is also the host of the television program “Autoline This Week,” an Emmy Award-winning, weekly half-hour discussion program featuring top automotive executives and journalists. And he co-hosts “Autoline After Hours,” a weekly live webcast that focuses on new cars and technology. The show can be seen online at www.Autoline.tv

McElroy also broadcasts three radio segments daily on WWJ Newsradio 950, the CBS affiliate in Detroit. He writes a blog for Autoblog.com and a monthly op-ed article for Ward’s Auto World.

As a journalist, McElroy put his automotive background to good use. His past experience includes five years at Detroit Editor for Road & Track, and as the American correspondent for World Cars, published by the Automotive Club of Italy. He was also invited to write the annual automotive entry for the Encyclopedia Britannica Yearbook. He spent most of his career at the trade magazine Automotive Industries where he ultimately rose to Editorial Director.

McElroy has appeared as an automotive expert on ABC World News Tonight, CBS News, and NBC Nightly News. He is often interviewed by CNN, NPR, and CBC in Canada. He is frequently asked to speak to automakers, suppliers and industry organizations. He is a member of the jury of the North American Car and Truck of the Year, and has won numerous awards for editorial excellence.

John McElroy is the president of Blue Sky Productions, Inc., which produces television, radio, and digital content, including video production.

Future of Mobility:

The Future of Mobility podcast is focused on the development and implementation of safe, sustainable, effective, and accessible mobility solutions, with a spotlight on the people and technology advancing these fields.

Edison Manufacturing and Engineering:

Edison is your low volume contract manufacturing partner, focused on assembly of complex mobility and energy products that don’t neatly fit within traditional high-volume production methods.