Fuel For Thought

Hosted by Mobility Global

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Fuel for Thought is a monthly podcast that turns fast-moving automotive change into practical direction for OEMs and suppliers. Each episode brings Mobility Global (formerly S&P Global Mobility) experts to break down what’s driving the market—from geopolitical disruptions to production, sales, and supply chain shifts—and how those forces translate into real planning decisions. Listeners gain data-backed perspectives to stress-test forecasts, spot emerging risks early, and prioritize actions across sourcing, capacity, and regional strategy. The result: clearer choices, faster responses, and more confident moves in an increasingly volatile industry. Subscribe today and don't miss the next episode.

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60 recent

August 4, 2026Episode 1537 min

2027 Automotive industry outlook: How OEMs can stay competitive

In this edition of Fuel for Thought, we’re looking ahead to 2027 through the lens of OEM strategy—at a time when demand is constrained, affordability is calling the shots, and competition is getting sharper by the quarter. The core tension is simple: households are still stretched, vehicle prices remain high, and the market is more volatile and more regional than it’s been in years. Meanwhile, the competitive bar is moving: faster development cycles, lower cost structures, and bigger questions about who owns the tech stack. Our host Guido Vildozo speaks with Thomas Meininger, Executive Director, Global Vehicle Demand Group, Mobility Global, to understand the latest cars sales trends heading into 2027 and learn where OEMs should prioritize their strategic investments. Read our written newsletter . and follow us on LinkedIn for more insights. Speakers: Thomas Meininger, Executive Director, Global Vehicle Demand Group, Mobility Global Guido Vildozo, Senior Manager, Consulting, Mobility Global (Host)

August 3, 2026Episode 1410 min

What the DRAM chip shortage really means for OEM strategy in 2026

Editor's note: This podcast was originally published on May 11, 2026. Due to technical difficulties, it was republished on August 3. Automotive procurement and planning leaders face a growing concern in 2026: A structural tightening in the supply of DRAM chips that underpin modern vehicle electronics. DRAM suppliers are reallocating capacity toward AI data‑center applications, where memory‑intensive GPUs are absorbing a disproportionate share of manufacturing resources. The impact for automakers is higher prices and tighter availability, particularly for older generations of automotive‑grade DRAM. In this episode of Fuel for Thought, we're sharing a clip from our recent webinar with Automotive News on how OEMs can navigate this landscape over the next several years. Speakers: Jeremie Bouchaud, Executive Director, Supply Chain and Technology, S&P Global Mobility Guido Vildozo, Associate Director, Consulting, S&P Global Mobility (Host)

April 2, 2026Episode 121 min

Loyalty opportunities hidden in today’s affordability environment

With average monthly car payments pushing toward $800 and nearly 20% of US consumers making $1,000 payments, buyers are weighing brand attachment against purchasing reality. Recent automotive market analysis shows that affordability pressures are fundamentally changing car buyer behavior, creating new risks for retention but also new opportunities for conquest. The result is a market in motion: Households that once returned reliably to brands and models are now open to change. Sellers that understand this dynamic will be best positioned to capture the moment. In this episode of Fuel for Thought, our host Guido Vildozo speaks with loyalty expert Tom Libby on key conquest and retention opportunities available for OEMs in this environment. Participants: Guido Vildozo, Associate Director, Consulting, S&P Global Mobility (Host) Tom Libby, Director, Loyalty Solutions and Industry Analysis, S&P Global Mobility

March 4, 202632 min

What’s changing for North American automakers in 2026 and beyond

For North American automakers, the familiar megatrends of electrification, regionalization, the rise of Chinese competitors, technological transformation, and supply chain resilience are evolving amid global supply risks and shifting regulatory pressures. Our latest whitepaper, The next phase of automotive megatrends, explores how regulatory uncertainty, affordability pressures, shifting consumer expectations, and global supply risks are reshaping strategy for OEMs across the region. From upcoming USMCA negotiations to new semiconductor shortages, our host Guido Vildozo sits down with the whitepaper authors to discuss what's truly different in this next phase—and what leaders should be doing now to prepare. Participants: Guido Vildozo, Associate Director, Consulting, S&P Global Mobility (Host) Henner Lehne, VP, Research and Analysis, S&P Global Mobility Peter Nagle, Research and Analysis Associate Director, S&P Global Mobility

January 14, 202617 min

2026 Automotive Supplier Outlook: What top executives are saying about the year ahead

Over the past year, automotive suppliers have navigated shifting tariff regimes, geopolitical uncertainty, uneven EV demand, and rising expectations around software, sustainability, and resilience. So why are many suppliers still optimistic? To find out, S&P Global Mobility expert Matthew Beecham spoke with 59 senior executives across the global automotive supply chain to understand how they're adapting to this new normal. With disruption now a constant rather than an exception, suppliers are prioritizing resilience through ecosystem partnerships, long-term technology investments, and proactive growth strategies. Instead of waiting for conditions to stabilize, they're rethinking how and where to compete. In this episode of Fuel for Thought, Matthew joins our host Guido Vildozo to unpack the key takeaways from these conversations—and what supplier sentiment signals for OEMs, investors, and policymakers right now. Speakers: Matthew Beecham, AutoTechInsight Research Manager, S&P Global Mobility Guido Vildozo, Associate Director, Consulting, S&P Global Mobility (Host)

December 29, 202528 min

DRAM makers prioritize AI data center demand, sparking automotive semiconductor shortage

As we approach 2026, the automotive industry is bracing for yet another potential crisis: a shortage of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chips. This anticipated shortage will not be quite as dramatic as the 2021 crisis—which prevented more than 10 million cars from being built that year—but could potentially be more disruptive and long-lasting than the 2025 Nexperia incident. DRAM is found in the compute-heavy systems in cars, namely in cockpit and in ADAS/Autonomy systems. However, major DRAM manufacturers are increasingly reallocating their wafer capacity toward high-bandwidth memory (HBM) for AI data centers. The profitability and demand for HBM far exceed those of traditional automotive applications, leaving automakers increasingly vulnerable to an automotive supply chain crunch that could rival the previous shortages. In this episode of Fuel for Thought, we dive deeper into the shortage and explain what automakers need to do in order to adapt. Speakers: Jeremie Bouchaud, Executive Director, Supply Chain and Technology, S&P Global Mobility Guido Vildozo, Associate Director, Consulting, S&P Global Mobility (Host)

November 26, 202519 min

Chinese automakers accelerate overseas vehicle manufacturing amid tariff pressures

Chinese automakers are not only reshaping their domestic market but are also becoming formidable players on the international stage. Their aggressive expansion into overseas markets, driven by a combination of competitive pricing, innovative technology, and strategic partnerships, poses both challenges and opportunities for established automakers. Moreover, as trade barriers and regulatory changes emerge in various regions, understanding how Chinese manufacturers adapt can provide valuable insights into the future of global automotive supply chains. In this episode of Fuel for Thought, we discuss how Chinese automakers are navigating global markets, the impact of tariffs and trade barriers, and the strategies these automakers are employing to expand their footprint. Speakers: Abby Tu, Principal Research Analyst, S&P Global Mobility Guido Vildozo, Associate Director, Consulting, S&P Global Mobility (host) ·

October 30, 202518 min

Powertrain system trends in flux as electrification goals meet market realities

A decade ago, the path toward full electrification seemed clear. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were seen as the inevitable future. But fast forward to today and that once-shared vision has fractured. Different regions are now taking distinctly different routes shaped by policy shifts, consumer sentiment, and economic realities. In this episode of Fuel for Thought, we unpack how these divergent strategies are influencing production planning, why transitional technologies like PHEVs and REEVs are gaining renewed relevance, and how scenario-based forecasting can help automakers stay agile in this fragmented market. Speakers: A. Saboor Imran, Principal Analyst, EMEA Light Vehicle Powertrain Forecasting, S&P Global Mobility Guido Vildozo, Associate Director, Consulting, S&P Global Mobility (host)

September 16, 202530 min

OEM Pricing Strategy Evolves with Tariff Effects

Since May 3, 2025, automakers have been navigating a complex US trade policy which includes a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and parts from nearly all countries. Although trade negotiations may ultimately reduce this tariff rate, few new deals have been signed so far. Amidst this backdrop, early expectations of an immediate cost pass-through to consumers has not materialized. Instead, automakers have taken a more measured approach to their pricing and production strategies. Moving forward, three of the most important considerations for OEMs will be: Tariff exposure and pass-through feasibility, Competitive pricing, and Production sourcing flexibility. As uncertainty continues, manufacturers that can swiftly adapt to market changes and effectively communicate their value propositions to consumers will be better positioned to thrive in this challenging environment. Speakers: Stephanie Brinley, Associate Director, AutoIntelligence, S&P Global Mobility Matt Trommer, Associate Director, Innovation Product Management and Industry Performance, S&P Global Mobility Guido Vildozo, Associate Director, Consulting, S&P Global Mobility (host)

July 28, 202521 min

Rare earth elements: Auto industry looks beyond China

In this podcast episode, experts from S&P Global Mobility delve into the critical role of rare earth elements (REEs) in the automotive industry—particularly in the production of electric vehicle components like traction motors. China currently dominates both the production and processing of these essential materials. The discussion examines how China's control over the rare earth supply chain is shaping global industries, the geopolitical implications, and how other nations are responding in an effort to diversify their REE sources. Our experts also explore the rise of emerging technologies, including Europe's shift toward magnet-free motor designs, and consider what the future may hold for REE dependency in the evolving automotive landscape. Speakers: Guido Vildozo, Associate Director, Consulting (Moderator), S&P Global Mobility Kartik Ganesh, Principal Research Analyst, S&P Global Mobility Jie Yang, Sr. Research Analyst, S&P Global Mobility