Fuel For Thought

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,

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

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

As the automotive industry shifts toward software-defined vehicles (SDVs), the term has become a buzzword, frequently mentioned at industry events like CES, often with varying interpretations and meanings.

Amidst this excitement, many OEMs are making claims about their new SDV launches; They feel the pressure to incorporate SDVs into their product developments to appear competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

But despite all the talk and promises, there has been no clear industry benchmark to measure vehicles' readiness for SDV implementation.

S&P Global Mobility has developed a method which we refer to as SDV Readiness to help the industry and consumers alike assess SDV technology. The establishment of these software-defined vehicle benchmarks not only clarifies the current state of the industry but also sets the stage for future innovations that will redefine mobility as we know it.

Speakers: 

• Guido Vildozo, Associate Director, Consulting (Moderator), S&P Global Mobility

Carbon reporting in the automotive industry is becoming increasingly important, as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) face various regulatory pressures around the world. However, tracking and measuring carbon emissions is not an easy feat.

One of the biggest challenges OEMs face lies in the complexity of reporting Scope 3 emissions -- specifically, Scope 3 Category 11, which pertains to the emissions generated during a vehicle's use phase through the end of its life.

This category often accounts for 75-80% of an automaker's total carbon footprint, making accurate reporting not just important, but essential.

Although inconsistencies in geographic scope, vehicle types, and automaker assumptions complicate this task, standardized carbon reporting is an important opportunity for OEMs to remain in regulatory compliance.

Speakers:

• Guido Vildozo, Associate Director, Consulting (Moderator), S&P Global Mobility

In this podcast episode, S&P Global Mobility experts discuss the landscape of autonomous vehicles coming out of the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show, or CES, that was held in Las Vegas at the beginning of the year.

After years of ambitious announcements and hype around fully self-driving cars, it appears that companies are shifting to a more pragmatic approach. Their conversation explores how tech companies and traditional automakers are now aligning their expectations, focusing on incremental developments and practical applications of autonomous vehicle technology.

As the industry moves forward, partnerships between startups and established players are becoming crucial for driving innovation and achieving market-ready solutions.

Speakers:

• Guido Vildozo, Associate Director, Consulting (Moderator), S&P Global Mobility

www.spglobal.com/mobility

In this month's Fuel for Thought, host Guido Vildozo speaks with our experts about how the automotive industry is navigating anticipated shifts under a second Trump administration. Their discussion focuses on the potential global implications of new US tax policies, tariffs, and deregulation. 

Their conversation also dives into the uncertain future of electric vehicles, with policy changes leading to a potentially significant slowdown in adoption rates. How the auto industry adapts to these changes will be key in determining the pace of EV growth globally.

Speakers: 

• Peter Nagle, Research and Analysis Associate Director, S&P Global Mobility

Moderator: 

• Guido Vildozo, Associate Director, Consulting

www.spglobal.com/mobility

In this episode of Fuel for Thought, we explore the European Union's decision to impose tariffs on Chinese battery electric vehicles (BEVs) following concerns about unfair subsidies. The tariffs, ranging from 17% to 35%, affect major manufacturers like BYD, Geely, and SAIC, while Tesla faces a lower rate of 7.8%. 

Speakers:

• Guido Vildozo, Associate Director, Consulting at S&P Global Mobility (moderator)

www.spglobal.com/mobility

In this special episode of Fuel for Thought, we're diving into the 2024 US presidential election – one of the most consequential elections in US history – which could reshape the future of the automotive ecosystem.

Our panelists cover the wide range of issues on the table – including environmental regulations, trade policies, and labor dynamics – as well as the impacts these issues could have on automakers, suppliers, and consumers alike.

Speakers: 

• Guido Vildozo, Associate Director, Consulting at S&P Global Mobility (moderator)

 www.spglobal.com/mobility

It's been a turbulent four years for the US auto industry, from the COVID-19 pandemic to inventory fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.  

But unfortunately for some of the industry's most important stakeholders, the turbulence isn't over yet. Automakers and their captive financing groups are facing intensified competition and difficulty attracting customers, due to several converging trends. These range from a recent surge in vehicle inventory and affordability concerns to fluctuating incentives and evolving consumer behaviors.  

In this Fuel for Thought podcast episode, our host Guido Vildozo speaks with the experts to break down how these trends are playing out in 2024, and what they mean for OEMs and captive lenders. 

Moderator:

Speakers:

To read the Fuel for Thought article, click here.

www.spglobal.com/mobility

• Moderator: Guido Vildozo, Senior Manager, Consulting, S&P Global Mobility

To read the Fuel for Thought article, click here.

www.spglobal.com/mobility