The Culture Lane

For 25 years, the Cadillac Escalade has dominated the luxury SUV market. Now, Cadillac is charging up for one of its boldest moves yet in the segment – the launch of the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ, the brand's first all-electric model of the iconic SUV. To kick off Season 2 of The Culture Lane, we talked to Donnelly Baxter, who will play a key role in positioning the highly anticipated  Cadillac SUV, as the global marketing manager for the Escalade IQ.     

Connected vehicles are poised to completely redefine automobility, from car sharing to the way packages are delivered to customers. This week's episode delves into Smartcar, a tech company that is taking a different lane in the world of connected vehicles, by enabling developers with the tools to more easily create apps to improve the mobility experience. The featured guest is Sahas Katta, founder and CEO of Smartcar. 

Hyundai continues to gain ground in the U.S. car market, all while striving to solidify its position in the new world of mobility. This episode of The Culture Lane delves into how the company is navigating that transition with featured guest Olabisi Boyle − vice president of product and mobility at Hyundai Motor America.      

There is no shortage of new charging ideas in the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles. But Rove, a new California-based startup, is taking a different approach to addressing some of the major barriers associated with EV ownership. The company is launching what it touts as “full-service” charging centers with a host of premium amenities. This week’s featured guest is Nathan McDonnell, CEO of Rove.       

The auto industry has long been a business driven by traditions.  Over a decade ago, Carvana launched, with a mission to disrupt the space, by providing consumers with a different approach to buying a used vehicle. This episode delves into how the company is building on that strategy while navigating the challenges that come with being a disruptor. The featured guest is Dan Gill, chief product officer at Carvana. 

The task of positioning an automotive brand in today’s consumer market is challenging, to say the least. There are so many factors to consider – whether it's assessing how a particular vehicle might appeal to millennials or finding a clever way to promote new tech features. This episode of The Culture Lane delves into how Nissan U.S. is meeting the challenge, with featured guest Marisstella Marinkovic, the chief marketing officer at the automaker.

Every retail business is relying more on digital solutions to better connect with consumers. But ensuring that the tech is effective is more than a notion. Episode 10 of The Culture Lane explores how auto dealers are fairing when it comes to technology aimed at improving their relationship with consumers. The featured guest is Steve Greenfield  ̶   founder and CEO of the auto tech investment company, Automotive Ventures, and author of the book, The Future of Automotive Retail.

Being able to predict consumer buying behavior in automotive to any degree can be hugely beneficial to those in the business. Episode nine of The Culture Lane delves into two studies by the research company Collage Group, unearthing some interesting findings pertaining to vehicle preferences among some key demographic groups. The featured guest is Jack Mackinnon, who serves as senior director of Cultural Insights at Collage Group.

The idea of flying cars used to be something primarily associated with science fiction movies. However, the growing market for eVTOLs could make the vehicles a real mobility option in a few years. This episode dives into the business of electric takeoff and landing vehicles with Guy Kaplinsky, Co-Founder and CEO of ASKA, a company looking to position itself as a unique offering in the sector when it all takes flight.