He's back! As global automotive OEMs recalibrate production strategies, understanding shifting market drivers, tariff impacts, and powertrain transitions is essential for precision suppliers.

In this episode, host Michael Thiessen welcomes back industry analyst Joe McCabe, President and CEO of Auto Forecast Solutions (AFS), for his annual deep dive into the North American automotive outlook. Joe provides an unfiltered assessment of the key forces shaping 2025 production, including evolving trade policy and tariffs, changing EV timelines, the rapid rise of hybrid platforms, and competitive pressures from global manufacturers. Together, they analyze what these structural shifts mean for tooling schedules, mold and die suppliers, and Tier 1/2 manufacturing strategy.

Whether you are an automotive toolmaker, precision machining supplier, or manufacturing executive, this episode offers vital intelligence to help align your operational planning with upcoming automotive market realities.

In this episode: 
00:00 - Introduction: Welcoming Back Joe McCabe for the 2025 Outlook 
04:30 - Trade Policy & Tariff Impacts on Automotive Supply Chains 
11:15 - EV Transition Realities vs. Hybrid & Extended-Range Growth 
18:40 - OEM Sourcing Adjustments & Tooling Schedule Timeline Shifts 
26:10 - Global Competition & Market Dynamics Facing North American Suppliers
32:45 - Strategic Takeaways for Mold Makers and Precision Machine Shops

 To learn more about AFS, visit www. autoforecastsolutions.com

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