by Eve Stevens | Oct 21, 2025 | Keynote videos |
“Batteries have become both a commercial priority and a geopolitical one. The industry is racing to secure access to raw materials and adapt to shifting trade policies. Questions about sustainability, pricing and demand are shaping big decisions.”
Hannah Lutz, Automotive News
To round off our first day of discussion on the Keynote stage, Automotive News’ Hannah Lutz was joined by panellists from across the full breadth of the battery supply chain, from mining to battery manufacturing.
In “Global battery supply chain outlook” panellists from Sion Power, LG Corp, Ford and Glencore provided their insights on the state of the battery supply chain right now, asking the big questions like, “Where is the battery market going?” and, “How do we make the battery supply chain more resilient to geopolitical uncertainty and fluctuating demand?”
Our panellists explored the need to keep up with Chinese competition describing the importance of consistent investment and forward planning in responding to an often precarious “boom and bust” pattern of demand.
The conversation concluded with reflections on the growing demand for lithium batteries across multiple sectors, including robotics, aviation, and electric vehicles. While the industry may not yet be fully equipped to meet this demand, our panellists agreed that building resilient regional battery supply chains is both essential and inevitable.
Watch the full Keynote panel discussion below.
Moderator: Hannah Lutz, Director & Editor of Technology and Innovation, Automotive News
Pamela Fletcher, CEO, Sion Power
Colton Hotary, Senior Director, Government Affairs, LG Corp
Andre Welch, Director of Government Relations, Ford
Robin Francois, Head of Lithium, Glencore
by Eve Stevens | Oct 20, 2025 | Keynote videos |
In “Driving growth in EV demand”, moderated by Automotive News’ Hannah Lutz, our panellists discussed the critical roadblocks hindering widespread EV adoption in the U.S.
California Energy Commissioner Noemi Gallardo was joined on the Keynote Stage by Rick Wilmer, CEO of Chargepoint, to unpack the ways in which the government and private sector can work more collaboratively toward widespread electrification.
The conversation centred on the importance of a reliable and robust infrastructure strategy as a means to motivate EV adoption, highlighting the need for accessible and high-quality Level 2 and fast-charging infrastructure across disparate geographies, including rural areas.
Both panellists contextualized their insights, drawing attention to the expiration of the EV tax credit alongside the wider industry downturn as the U.S. faces competition from the Chinese market and an increasingly divisive political climate.
Overall, Noemi and Rick agreed on the importance of better EV education as well as the need for greater affordability to successfully accelerate EV adoption in the U.S.
The panel ended with a reflection on the necessity for state governments to remain steadfast in their EV and climate goals as a means to boost consumer confidence in electrification amid a patchwork and inconsistent regulatory environment.
Moderator: Hannah Lutz, Director & Editor of Technology and Innovation, Automotive News
Noemí Gallardo, Commissioner, California Energy Commission
Rick Wilmer, CEO, Chargepoint
by Eve Stevens | Oct 20, 2025 | Keynote videos |
In “Where AI, tech and data are taking mobility” Moderator, David Welch, sat down with representatives from Stellantis, DHL, Volvo and Mercedes to discuss the use of AI and its impact on consumer experience, driver experience and society at large.
The conversation centred on the key benefits of leveraging AI in the contexts of both fleet maintenance and in-car experience, exploring AI’s critical potential to improve customer safety, increase efficiency and reduce waste.
The panellists focused their discussion on the challenges and benefits of using anonymised data, including concerns surrounding data privacy, data sharing and opt-in services, as well as the role of agentic AI and its role in customer service and user experience.
In the context of fleet management, the discussion focused on AI’s potential as a proactive technology that can prevent over-maintenance and reduce downtime.
Watch the full Keynote panel discussion below.
Moderator: David Welch, Detroit Bureau Chief, Bloomberg
Sanjiv Ghate, Senior Vice President and Head of Data Business Unit, Stellantis
Magnus Gustafson, Vice President, Connected Services, Volvo Group North America
Jennifer Miller, Vice President, Integrated Transportation Solutions, DHL Supply Chain
Philipp Skogstad, President & CEO, Mercedes Benz R&D North America
by Eve Stevens | Oct 20, 2025 | Keynote videos |
In “Building the autonomous world”, Tobias Glitterstam, Edwin Olson and Jeremy Bird took to the Keynote Stage to discuss the roadmap to autonomy. The debate centred on innovations in autonomous technology and the key challenges facing the industry in the context of fleet transportation, ride-share services and trucking.
Moderator, David Welch, steered the discussion focusing the conversation on issues of consumer trust, cost, safety, job security and patchwork regulation.
In the context of trucking, the panel explored the possibilities of autonomous vehicles to reduce downtime and to combat the labour shortage in the long-haul trucking industry.
The discussion concluded with a consensus that public opinion remained a significant stumbling block on the road to widespread autonomy.
Watch the full panel discussion below.
Moderator: David Welch, Detroit Bureau Chief, Bloomberg
Tobias Glitterstam, Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, International Motors
Edwin Olson, CEO, May Mobility
Jeremy Bird, EVP of Driver Experience, Lyft
Want to keep seeing which stories are sparking the mobility community? Sign up to our MOVEMNT newsletter for weekly updates.
by Eve Stevens | Oct 17, 2025 | Interviews |
In our increasingly digital world, connectivity services are reshaping the ways we communicate with one another and respond to our environment.
At MOVE America 2025, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Alex Walling, Head of Business Development at Nokia, to discuss the unexpected ways connectivity services are transforming the mobility landscape.
Alex provided insight into the exciting potential of APIs before discussing how Nokia is opening up new functionality from 5G networks to OEMs to reshape the in-car experience.
After exploring Nokia’s exciting partnerships with Elmo and Seafar, we dove into some of the big themes dominating conversations in the industry, such as AI and autonomy.
We ended our debate, somewhat existentially, contemplating the impact of autonomy on the in-car experience:
If we are no longer driving our own cars, how does our relationship with them change? And what role will connectivity services play in shaping the vehicles of the future?
Watch the full interview with Alex Walling below.
by Eve Stevens | Oct 15, 2025 | Interviews |
Chief Segment Officer of Mobility at LTTS, Aditya Pathak, and Mobility Segment Leader Shailendra Shrivastava sat down with us at MOVE 2025 to discuss LTTS’ role in “creating the mobility ecosystem of the future”.
The pair provided insight into how LTTS is leveraging AI, both in its software and product design, to boost efficiency and accelerate innovation.
By incorporating AI across multiple platforms, LTTS is helping make the North American and European market more competitive with the Asian and Chinese eco-system, which has a much faster product engineering life cycle.
Aditya and Shailendra commented on the important relationship between sustainability and innovation and the common goals uniting mobility discussion across geographies.
Watch the entire interview with Aditya and Shailendra below.
by Eve Stevens | Oct 14, 2025 | Interviews |
At MOVE America 2025, we sat down with Bheem Athanikar, Consult Partner at Kyndryl.
Kyndryl is the world’s largest infrastructure managed services provider, managing critical infrastructure for 75% of the Fortune 100. The company provides enabling technologies that span the breadth of the mobility spectrum- from manufacturing and automation, all the way to connecting the mobile ecosystem.
“If you can think of anything that is enabling mobility at the tip, we are at the bottom”.
Bheem provides insight into the benefits of leveraging AI to improve efficiency, increase commerciality and compress freight costs, describing AI as a tool that can “assist the human endeavour to make the world a better place”.
Our discussion covered further topics including the rise of Level 5 autonomous technology, the necessity for cross-industry events and the importance of putting accessibility at the forefront of mobility innovation.
Watch the full interview with Kyndryl’s Consult Partner below.
Want to keep seeing which stories are sparking the mobility community? Sign up to our MOVEMNT newsletter for weekly updates.
by Eve Stevens | Oct 10, 2025 | Resources |
MOVE America 2025 brought us two days of dynamic discussion focused on the cutting-edge innovations and break-through technologies dominating conversations on mobility.
Speakers provided insights into the hottest topics across the converged mobility spectrum, discussing themes like the impacts of Trump’s tariffs, innovations in autonomous transportation and barriers to widespread electrification.
With sessions across 18 stages, MOVE America offered a comprehensive deep-dive into some of the industry’s most debated topics, asking the big questions like, “What will the EV space look like in 2035?” or, “How do companies survive the EV shakeout?”
Time-table clash? Unable to make this year’s event? Tune in to all that you missed below in our selection of top-registered talks.
Our four must-listen talks from 2025
What will the EV space look like in 2035?
Gabe Klein, Former Executive Director, Joint U.S. Office of Energy & Transportation & Limited Partner, Fontinalis Partners
Surviving the EV shakeout: why flexibility is everything
Moderator: Kevin Spangenberg, Market Strategy Lead, Monta
Andrew Bailey, CMO, EnviroSpark
Alex Urist, VP and Co-Founder, XCharge
Jamie Miller, CRO, Gateway Fleets
Connecting mobility innovation with funding
Moderator: Jamie Butters, Detroit Bureau Chief, Wall Street Journal
Steve Greenfield, General Partner, Automotive Ventures
Adrienne Lingren, SVP of Unlocking Innovation, LACI
Liz Kerton, Executive Director, AutoTech Council
Chris Stallman, Managing Partner, Fontinalis Partners
Investment: ensuring the charging industry matures rapidly to meet EV electricity demand
Moderator: Keith Naughton, Reporter, Bloomberg
Katherine Peretick, Commissioner, Michigan Public Service Commission
Michael Maten, Director, EV Policy & Regulatory Affairs, General Motors
Alex Keros, Senior Vice President Product, EVgo
Kevin Matthews, Head of Electrification, First Student
Casper Rasmussen, CEO, Monta
by Eve Stevens | Oct 6, 2025 | Resources |
MOVE America 2025 united agents from across the mobility eco-system for two days of insightful discussion. Among the 3,028 people who attended this year’s conference there were over 500 speakers, 100 sponsors and 150 startups.
From panel discussions to fireside chats, MOVE America facilitated thought-provoking conversation centred on the hottest industry topics. From AI and its role in investment, to the challenges of creating a united mass transportation framework, no mobility stone was left unturned.
Amongst a sea of insightful speakers, these stood out as the most in demand discussions at this year’s event.
Find out which sessions pulled in the biggest crowds at MOVE America 2025.
Where AI, tech and data are taking mobility
Keynote Stage, Day 1
In MOVE America 2025’s most attended speech, Moderator, David Welch, sat down with representatives from Stellantis, DHL, Volvo and Mercedes to discuss the use of AI and its impact on consumer experience, driver experience and society at large.
The conversation centred on the key benefits of leveraging AI in the contexts of both fleet maintenance and in-car experience, exploring AI’s critical potential to improve customer safety, increase efficiency and reduce waste.
The panellists focused their discussion on the challenges and benefits of using anonymised data, including concerns surrounding data privacy, data sharing and opt-in services, as well as the role of agentic AI and its role in customer service and user experience.
In the context of fleet management, the discussion focused on AI’s potential as a proactive technology that can prevent over-maintenance and reduce downtime.
Moderator: David Welch, Detroit Bureau Chief, Bloomberg
Sanjiv Ghate, Senior Vice President and Head of Data Business Unit, Stellantis
Magnus Gustafson, Vice President, Connected Services, Volvo Group North America
Jennifer Miller, Vice President, Integrated Transportation Solutions, DHL Supply Chain
Philipp Skogstad, President & CEO, Mercedes Benz R&D North America
Building the autonomous world
Keynote Stage, Day 1
In “Building the autonomous world”, Tobias Glitterstam, Edwin Olson and Jeremy Bird took to the Keynote Stage to discuss the roadmap to autonomy. The debate centred on innovations in autonomous technology and the key challenges facing the industry in the context of fleet transportation, ride-share services and trucking.
Moderator, David Welch, steered the discussion focusing the conversation on issues of consumer trust, cost, safety, job security and patchwork regulation.
In the context of trucking, the panel explored the possibilities of autonomous vehicles to reduce downtime and to combat the labour shortage in the long-haul trucking industry.
The discussion concluded with a consensus that public opinion remained a significant stumbling block on the road to widespread autonomy.
Moderator: David Welch, Detroit Bureau Chief, Bloomberg
Tobias Glitterstam, Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, International Motors
Edwin Olson, CEO, May Mobility
Jeremy Bird, EVP of Driver Experience, Lyft
What will the EV space look like in 2035?
Electric Vehicles Stage, Day 1
In his rousing speech on the Electrical Vehicles Stage, ex- government official Gable Klein explored the future of electrification in the U.S. in the face of an uncertain market.
Gabe focused on the importance of electrification saying,
“The future is digital, the future is electric and they’re (EVs) going to be a huge business”.
Drawing on the ubiquity of EVs in Europe and China, Gabe explored the necessity of improved infrastructure when it comes to addressing the imbalance between U.S and global EV sales.
Overall, Gabe stressed the importance of unity between private and public agents to accelerate the path to electrification.
Gabe Klein, Former Executive Director, Joint U.S. Office of Energy & Transportation & Limited Partner, Fontinalis Partners.
AI, Captain! Investing in mobility innovation
Keynote Stage, Day 2
Venture capitalist legend, Tim Draper was joined on the Keynote stage by Raymond Zheng and Michael Ronen to discuss how AI is changing the investment landscape.
The panellists discussed the rise of AI in the mobility sector, contextualising 2025 as a technological precipice which would usher in big changes in the both the world of manufacturing and in-car experience.
Each speaker discussed their own take on where the next big investments lie, citing the importance of investing in future-looking technologies.
With the help of Pete Bigelow’s moderation, the three panellists debated the ideas of the “Ai Bubble” and the “AI Hype Curve”, distinguishing solid investments as those that combat real consumer needs, such as relieving people of mundane or unsafe labour.
The discussion concluded with a consensus that, for companies to succeed in the sector, they must be thinking at least 15 years ahead.
Moderator: Pete Bigelow, Senior Reporter, Automotive News
Tim Draper, Founding Partner, Draper Associates
Michael Ronen, Founder Managing Partner Transport & Logistics, Softbank Vision Fund & Managing Director, Fortress Investment Group
Raymond Zheng, Senior Managing Director, Honda Xcelerator Ventures, Honda Innovations
Surviving the EV shakeout: why flexibility is everything
Energy and Charging Stage, Day 1
In “Surviving the EV shakeout”, our panellists discussed the specific challenges facing EV infrastructure providers and the importance of flexibility when it comes to surviving in a competitive market.
The conversation focused on the criticality of scalability as well as reliability and customer experience in this reputation based industry.
They discussed the complexities of the EV market in the face of patchwork regulation as well as the appropriate time to say no to proposals from site providers.
Moderator: Kevin Spangenberg, Market Strategy Lead, Monta
Andrew Bailey, CMO, EnviroSpark
Alex Urist, VP and Co-Founder, XCharge
Jamie Miller, CRO, Gateway Fleets
by Eve Stevens | Oct 3, 2025 | Interviews |
In a MOVE America exclusive, John Possumato, CEO and Co-founder of DriveItAway, shared news that Mitch Fadel, former CEO of Upbound Group and Rent-A-Center, has joined the company’s Board of Advisors.
DriveItAway Holdings, Inc is a Philadelphia-based mobility platform specializing in flexible vehicle lease-to-own solutions. Founded eight years ago, the company was created to bring new digital purchase and Mobility as a Service options to car dealers.
Fadel, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished executives in the lease-to-own sector, brings decades of leadership experience in expanding access to alternative credit and consumer financing.
Fadel is best known for his tenure as Chief Executive Officer of Upbound Group (formerly Rent-A-Center), where he oversaw international expansion, strategic acquisitions totalling more than $2 billion, and the creation of the world’s largest virtual lease-to-own enterprise.
This appointment follows DriveItAway’s recently announced national partnership with Free2move, Stellantis’ global mobility brand.
Watch the full interview with John Possumato below.
by Eve Stevens | Sep 22, 2025 | Resources |
With MOVE America 2025 less than a week away, we want to highlight the biggest influencers in mobility to follow right now!
Check out the range of podcast hosts, authors, journalists, award-winners and industry leaders that have been selected as the most influential names in the industry.
These individuals have proven they are voices of authority on all things mobility, amassing sky-high figures on their social media followings.
Meet the connectors making things MOVE.
Roger Lanctot, Founder, StrategiaNow
Founder of StrategiaNow and long-time mobility analyst, Roger Lanctot has made a career out of telling the auto industry what’s what.
With a background that blends journalism, consulting, and years as a connected-car guru at TechInsights, Roger brings sharp analysis and years of experience to conversations about the future of transport.
Whether advising governments, OEMs, or startups, Roger has a knack for connecting the dots across technology, policy, and economics.
His steadfast commitment to saving lives, time and money, make him one of the most listened-to voices in connected and future mobility. It’s no wonder Roger has a staggering 180k+ followers on LinkedIn!
“I am all about wireless connectivity and saving lives and time and money in moving vehicles – trains, planes, cars, ships, motorcycles – and, yeah, with the help of satellites.”
Steve Greenfield, General Partner, Automotive Ventures
Steve Greenfield, the Founder and CEO of VC Fund, Automotive Ventures, is a bona fide mobility influencer. Steve has proven he is a voice of authority in the industry clocking in a hefty 53k followers on Linkedin. His weekly publication, Automotive Ventures Intel Report, has over 15k subscribers.
Steve aims to make the overlaps between cars, data, and retail work better and he is committed to helping dealers, OEMs, and startups to figure out how to sell, connect, and scale. He’s overseen over $1 billion in automotive tech acquisitions and has held senior strategy and product roles at AutoTrader and TrueCar.
“I’m passionate about helping Automotive Technology and Mobility entrepreneurs succeed”.
Jayson Pankin, President, AutoHarvest
Self-proclaimed ‘serial entrepreneur’, Jayson Pankin is the CEO and co-founder of Autoharvest, a not-for-profit foundation committed to elevating innovation in the auto industry.
AutoHarvest is a global, online meeting place for innovators from across the auto and mobility ecosystem, allowing users to privately connect with other inventors and ‘commercialisers’.
With over 30k followers on LinkedIn and over 1,000 LinkedIn endorsements for skillsets, Jayson is a true mobility connecter.
“Creating IP value is not just about monetising portfolios. This non-profit, collaborative project is focused on allowing diverse parts of the automobile industry to share intellectual property; and it already has substantial buy-in.”
John Possumato, Founder & CEO, DriveItAway
John Possumato’s stake in the world of mobility is multi-pronged, straddling the world of business, journalism and consultancy. He is at once a start-up entrepreneur CEO, consultant/adviser, motivator/coach, and an author and speaker in the automotive industry.
If that wasn’t enough, John has a background in corporate law and is an accredited attorney in the state of Pennsylvania.
John founded DriveItAway back in 2017, a used car platform that allows users, regardless of cash down or credit score to test and purchase vehicles with transparency and ease.
Most recently John has helped to create the Drive For Freedom Foundation, a 501(c) 3 non-profit created to alleviate the “Poverty of the Carless.”
“I am at my best creating, motivating and leading entrepreneurial teams, around new ideas, business ventures and disruptive technologies, both in strategic planning and “in the trenches” execution”.
Tim Slusser, Chief of Mobility Innovation,
City of Detroit
With a career spanning renewable energy and vehicle electrification, Detroit’s Chief of Mobility Innovation, Tim Slusser, has already helped reel in a casual $6 billion worth of EV and energy storage investments for Michigan.
Now, he’s shifting gears to focus on electrification, hydrogen fuelling, and all things clean and connected in Detroit.
Whether it’s rolling out fast-charging pilots or testing new mobility ideas on city streets, Tim is on a mission to make transportation greener and more accessible for residents across the Motor City.
Tim Slusser will be speaking on our smart cities stage on September 25.
Interested in being part of the discussion? Visit our website for tickets.
by Eve Stevens | Sep 19, 2025 | Resources |
MOVE America is the U.S’s #1 converged mobility event, uniting key disruptors and cutting-edge innovators from across the mobility ecosystem under one roof.
Expect to hear exclusive announcements from some of the industry’s most influential voices as well as new perspectives, new launches and new ideas.
MOVE is more than just a networking event- it’s a place where headlines happen.
Press at MOVE America
MOVE is welcoming a host of tier-1, independent and local press to cover this year’s event. Expect world-class moderation from some of mainstream media’s most influential players, alongside emerging voices from Michigan-based press and beyond.
We offer privately held press conferences, exclusive press passes and a dedicated Press Lounge.
Our privately held press conferences will include selected tier-1 attending press – including:
The Wall Street Journal, CBS, CNBC, Bloomberg, Forbes and more.
This is your chance to secure top-tier press coverage and guarantee that exclusive announcements are instantly shared from mainstream media’s top voices.
Meet some of the top media voices on the ground at Huntington Place.
- Mike Colias, Deputy Bureau Chief of Autos, The Wall Street Journal
- Carol Cain, Editorial Director & Host, Michigan Matters, CBS
- Michael Wayland, Auto Reporter, CNBC
- Jamie Butters, Editor, Automotive News
- Pete Bigelow, Director of Tech & Innovation, Automotive News
- Sam Abuelsamid, Senior Contributor, Forbes
- Gabrielle Coppola, Auto Industry Reporter, Bloomberg
- Kurt Nagl, Reporter, Crain’s Business Detroit
- Anna Fifelski, Innovation Reporter, Crain’s Business Detroit
- Luke Ramseth, Autos Reporter, The Detroit News
- Steve Tengler, Senior Contributor, Forbes
- Ed Garsten, Senior Transportation Contributor, Forbes
- Chris Otts, Autos Reporter, The Wall Street Journal
- Hannah Lutz, Deputy Editor of Technology and Innovation, Automotive News
- Jake Neher, Executive Producer, Automotive News
- Grayson Brulte, Host, Road to Autonomy Podcast
Plus many more…
Interested in attending? Visit our website for tickets or secure your very own exclusive press pass here today.
by Eve Stevens | Sep 17, 2025 | Resources |
Meet Newlab, the official partner of the MOVE America 2025 afterparty.
Newlab is a global innovation hub focused on developing the critical technologies that will contribute to the economies of the future.
Founded in 2016, the venture platform has operations in five locations, across the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay.
Since its inception, Newlab has been committed to unblocking the barriers that exist between critical technologies and widespread commercialization across multiple strategic industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure and, of course, mobility.
In short, Newlab is a platform that empowers startups to get to market quickly, and with minimal intervention. It’s the critical link between ideas and real-world deployment, offering startups the infrastructure and expertise to make it in the real world.
“With access to world-class prototyping labs, industry pilot opportunities, and a network of likeminded builders across our locations, you’ll find the resources and relationships to turn hard problems into commercial outcomes.”
Newlab
Newlab in Detroit
Launching in Detroit in 2023, Newlab takes residence in the converted Michigan Central building, a 27,000-square foot facility, located in the heart of the Motor City.
The historical structure builds on Detroit’s storied past, offering a global hub for mobility innovation and cutting-edge technology, with workspaces, entrepreneur support and community spaces.
“Michigan Central is more than just a building; it is a beacon of innovation and a symbol of Detroit’s unwavering commitment to leading the way in mobility for the modern age”.
Newlab
Newlab Detroit is home to over 100 critical technology startups, building the future of mobility and manufacturing across electrification, advanced air mobility, maritime, and robotics.
Speaking on the success of Newlab’s mission in Detroit, Joshua Sirefman, CEO of Michigan Central said:
“This is proof of the power and potential of the economic engine that we are building here in Detroit, and the realization of Bill Ford and Ford Motor Co.’s vision to create an open platform ecosystem that draws on our region’s incredible talent and legacy of innovation to help solve many of the world’s challenges.”
Newlab and Move America 2025
As the first day of networking and discussion winds down, the festivities will only just be kicking off at Michigan Central. That’s right, Newlab will be partnering with MOVE America to deliver an unmissable partnered afterparty at this year’s event.
The afterparty is a moment to connect with startup founders, executives from globally leading OEMs, transport operators, city officials, energy providers, investors, and media. Expect showcases, live entertainment, refreshment and great conversation with agents from across the mobility spectrum.
From empowering startups to planning parties, Newlab is dedicated to bringing together some of the greatest minds in mobility across multiple platforms. We’ll cheers to that!
The event will run between 19:30 and 22:30 at Michigan Central.
How to sign up
All MOVE America attendees are entitled to entrance to the event.
Register today at: Newlab Presents: MOVE America Afterparty · Luma
Or bookmark it on the MOVE America app: Swapcard | Studio
Want to learn more? Visit our website for up-to-date agendas and a full list of the movers and shakers joining us in Detroit this September.
by MOVEmnt staff | Sep 15, 2025 | Guest Opinions, Resources |
Written by Ben Stupka, Executive Director, RTA
In the Motor City, the mobility innovations of tomorrow aren’t just happening on assembly lines in the brick-and-mortar automobile factories that made Detroit famous around the world.
The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) is leading the charge to connect our region through accessible, inclusive transit. Connecting a four-county region of more than 4 million people and thousands of square miles cannot be done with a hammer and nail.
As laid out by our Regional Transit Master Plan, the RTA and Southeast Michigan’s transit providers are rolling out solutions that fit people’s lives and meet our communities’ needs for today and beyond.
In the first half of the 20th century, Detroit boasted a booming population and economy that led the nation, which saw our region grow rapidly and outwardly. The installation of the nation’s first expressway led the way to a transportation system centred around the automobile.
Now, the demand for reliable public transportation is steadily growing once again, and efficient, accessible transit options are evolving. Transit has proven to be essential in attracting and retaining people, including young workers and aging populations.
The RTA was established in 2012 through state legislation to bring together a fragmented system and provide Southeast Michigan with a clear path forward.
We partner with transit providers, communities, businesses, and residents to shape a vision of what public transit can be—and what it can do for our economy, neighbourhoods, and people. Our mission is to develop new and better ways to move and connect people, with the ultimate vision of a region where advancements in transit generate prosperity for all.
We’re implementing that vision through three primary roles: as drivers and doers, transit subject matter experts, and community connectors.
Our work is most visible through the services we operate. That includes the QLINE, a free, 3.3-mile streetcar on Woodward Avenue, one of Detroit’s most iconic corridors. When it launched in 2017, the QLINE was the first streetcar in 61 years on a major Detroit thoroughfare.
Based on years of data and research, there was a demand for nonstop, express transit connections. So, we acted, introducing pilot services. We launched D2A2, which connects Detroit and Ann Arbor—welcoming university students, commuters, and visitors.
Next, we implemented the Detroit Air Xpress (DAX), the first nonstop transit link to Detroit Metropolitan Airport. It has quickly gained popularity among residents, tourists, and airport employees.
The work behind the scenes makes this all possible. Long before these projects touched down, they were action items and recommendations in our Regional Transit Master Plan. Now, a combined 15,000 riders a month rely on D2A2 and DAX. We’re not resting on our laurels.
Guided by our master plan, we’re following national trends and responding to residents’ wishes by making payments and navigation easier and improving service coordination.
When people see transit work, they use it. In November 2022, Oakland County residents passed a 10-year transit millage that filled service gaps in critical areas by expanding and creating new bus routes. Other places are following suit.
Our partners at the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) and Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) are fine-tuning their networks so routes serve more people and match travel patterns. They’re also testing micro transit services, which run smaller vehicles on rider-tailored routes, to respond to real-time needs.
Momentum is building. Every new rider on D2A2, every family that benefits from expanded Oakland County service, every senior who can make it to a doctor’s appointment thanks to transit represents progress toward a more connected region.
Our achievements are not just wins for transit – they are investments in economic growth, workforce development, and quality of life.
Southeast Michigan residents deserve a transit system as innovative as the city that put the world on wheels. Together with our partners, we are laying the foundation for a region where people can move more freely, where opportunity is within reach, and where mobility fuels prosperity for generations to come.
Joining us in September? Check out the RTA’s website for up-to-date travel options, for conference days and beyond.
Now only 9 days to go until America’s #1 converged mobility event. Be part of the MOVEmnt and register for tickets today!
by Eve Stevens | Sep 12, 2025 | Resources |
In its sixth iteration, MOVE America is coming to Detroit.
Detroit is a city bursting with innovation and culture, home to an ever-growing community of renowned start-up incubators such as Newlab, SPARK and TechTown, as well as a thriving music and culinary scene.
Detroit’s legacy, as the beating heart of America’s auto industry, is firmly established. Lovingly known as the state that put the rest of the U.S. on wheels, Detroit is where mobility’s past meets its future.
The city is home to the nation’s first electric charging road, the Connect autonomous shuttle and the beautifully renovated Michigan Central train station.
The birthplace of the Model T Ford, Detroit continues its legacy as a hub of automobile manufacturing, producing around 1.7 million automobiles per year from the likes of Stellantis, General Motors and Ford.
Local talent at MOVE America 2025
This year we welcome a host of home-grown talent to MOVE America 2025, presenting an agenda packed full of Detroit-based speakers and delegates.
With representation from Michigan Department of Transportation, City of Detroit, Michigan Central, The Detroit News, and many more, we can’t wait to hear from some of most influential voices making mobility happen in the Motor City.
A closer look at some of our speakers on the ground
With a career spanning renewable energy and vehicle electrification, Detroit’s Chief of Mobility Innovation, Tim Slusser, has already helped reel in a casual $6 billion worth of EV and energy storage investments for Michigan.
Now, he’s shifting gears to focus on electrification, hydrogen fuelling, and all things clean and connected in Detroit.
Whether it’s rolling out fast-charging pilots or testing new mobility ideas on city streets, Tim is on a mission to make transportation greener and more accessible for residents across the Motor City.
I’m honoured to serve the City of Detroit in this role and I’m inspired by Mayor Duggan’s vision for the future of Detroit.”
Tim Slusser will be speaking on our smart cities stage on September 25.
Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer, State of Michigan
Based in Michigan but hailing from Los Angeles, Justine Johnson has a hefty résumé spanning both coastlines.
Justine’s passion for clean mobility traces back to her childhood, where she recognised the devastating health implications of living near busy freeways in L.A.
Now, as Michigan’s newest Chief Mobility Officer, Johnson is passionate about delivering policy that promotes healthier and more equitable communities.
She has proven herself as an advocate for change, serving as Board Co-Chair of BlackSpace Urbanist Collective and as Board Chair for Urban Movement Labs.
“My role as Michigan’s Chief Mobility Officer has provided me with a significant platform and a bevy of resources to effect meaningful change and contribute to the development of sustainable, eco-friendly mobility practices.”
With Justine’s focus on sustainability and clean mobility steering Michigan’s growth, Detroit is proving that the Motor City state isn’t just keeping up with the times- it’s leading the charge.
Hear Justine speak on the Regulation, Liability & ESG stage on September 24.
Michael Maten, Director, EV Policy & Regulatory Affairs,
General Motors
Michael Maten has spent more than a decade helping General Motors put the spark in its electric future.
From sketching out the advanced plans that gave us the Cadillac Lyriq and Hummer EV, to shaping EV policy on everything from charging stations to supply chains, Michael is a key player in GM’s journey to a zero-emissions tomorrow.
A proud University of Michigan chemical engineering alum, Michael now chairs Indiana’s EV Product Commission and has advised on national partnerships to promote electric vehicles.
GM is committed to an all-electric future. Between our current products like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV, Cadillac LYRIQ, and GMC Hummer EV, and products launching next year… the flexibility of GM’s Ultium platform will allow us to bring to market electric vehicles at nearly every price point and for every purpose.
Don’t miss Michael on the Energy and Charging stage September 24.
Mel Roberts, Director of North America Infotainment & Features Planning,
Stellantis
With more than two decades of experience Mel Roberts has built her career at the crossroads of engineering and innovation.
Now serving as Director of North America Infotainment & Features Planning at Stellantis, Mel blends market trends, customer insights, and cutting-edge tech to map out the future of in-car experiences.
Her career highlights include leading advanced development across infotainment and driver assistance, guiding high-profile vehicle programs like the Grand Wagoneer and Chrysler Pacifica, and shaping interiors for everything from sedans to SUVs.
With a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Tech, Mel is a true Detroiter, helping Stellantis lead the charge in electrification and software development.
You can find Mel on the Business Models Stage September 24.
Robert Cramer, Executive Director of Transit,
Detroit Department of Transportation
Robert Cramer is Detroit’s newest Executive Director of Transit, trading in the iconic loop of the People Mover for the city’s much larger DDOT bus system.
After more than two years running the People Mover, Robert leaves behind quite the track record. Under his watch, the system launched its first-ever free fare program, prompting an 80% ridership boost.
During his tenure, the People Mover carried more than 70,000 fans during the NFL Draft, a feat not seen since Detroit hosted the Super Bowl.
Now, with Mayor Duggan’s full confidence, Robert is gearing up to steer DDOT into its next era, with more reliable schedules and expanded service on the horizon.
“I’m honoured to lead the team to continue the progress made and be part of a first-class transit system.”
Catch Robert Cramer moderating the MaaS stage September 25.
Michael Hale Jr., Project Manager, City of Detroit
Growing up on Detroit’s Westside, Michael Hale Jr. experienced the inequalities in Detroit’s urban transportation first-hand.
Now serving in Detroit’s Office of Mobility Innovation, Michael aims to fill the gaps in the city’s mass transportation network.
Under the SMART MODES project, Michael is helping Detroit reimagine street safety, rolling out real-time data tools at 19 intersections to cut crashes and make the streets safer for everyone.
Backed by a $2 million federal grant, the project isn’t just about dashboards and sensors; it’s about equality, making sure historically underserved neighbourhoods aren’t left out of strategic mobility decisions.
Whether you are biking, driving, walking or catching the bus, Michael is committed to delivering safer streets for all.
I feel a sense of responsibility to bring change. We deserve safer roads, we deserve to cross the street without fear of losing our lives, we deserve safe streets.
Michael will be on the Business Models stage September 24.
Britany Affolter-Caine, Executive Director, The Research Universities for Michigan
Britany’s career has spanned everything from talent development at Ann Arbor SPARK to policy work at the Detroit Chamber and even the Brookings Institution.
Now as Executive Director at The Research Universities for Michigan (RU4M), she’s focused on making sure Michigan’s research universities stay on the cutting edge while strengthening ties with government, industry, and non-profit partners.
If her track record is anything to go by, RU4M is in very capable hands.
“It’s exciting, and humbling, to be selected to lead Michigan’s Research Universities for Michigan. I welcome the challenge of building on the success of my predecessor and our university leaders.
Don’t miss Britany moderating the Business Models stage September 24.
Want to learn more? Visit our website for up-to-date agendas and a full list of the movers and shakers joining us in Detroit this September.
by Eve Stevens | Sep 10, 2025 | Resources |
With MOVE America 2025 just two weeks away, let’s take a look at the sessions you simply cannot afford to miss at this year’s event.
MOVE America brings together some of the greatest minds from across the mobility spectrum, uniting industry-leaders, start-ups and tech innovators under one roof.
With 500+ speakers and 150+ exhibitors, our sessions will dive deep into the latest trends, strategies, and technologies for re-imagining mobility.
Catch our 100+ speakers across the following stages this September: Electric Vehicles, Energy & Charging, Fleet & Commercial Vehicles, Tech, Data & Innovation, ADAS & Autonomy, Business Models, Maas, Smart Cities, Regulation, Liability & ESG, Battery Tech.
Want to learn more? Visit our website for up-to-date agendas and a full list of the movers and shakers joining us in Detroit this September.
by Eve Stevens | Sep 8, 2025 | Resources |
MOVE connects every vertical in the mobility ecosystem under one roof, with a focus on tech, business models and sustainable futures.
World-class speakers, disruption and impactful networking are at the heart of the event.
From AI to EVs, infrastructure to autonomous vehicles, MOVE is committed to delivering impactful discussions covering the hottest topics in the industry.
What’s new at MOVE America this year?
This year’s agenda brings together 500+ speakers, 100+ sponsors and 150+ start-ups for two days of dynamic discussion.
From an exciting relocation to Detroit, to a wave of influential new speakers, expect some big changes at our 2025 event.
1) MOVE America is moving to Detroit, beginning a new chapter in the birthplace of the automotive industry.
“Cars wouldn’t be cars, music wouldn’t be music, and culture wouldn’t be culture without Detroit”
Claude Molinari, CEO, Visit Detroit
Detroit is home to the nation’s first electric charging road, the Connect autonomous shuttle and the beautifully renovated Michigan Central train station.
It is a city bursting with innovation, home to a growing community of renowned start-up incubators including Newlab, TechTown and SPARK.
MOVE America will be taking place at Huntington Place, Detroit from September 24-25.
2) New visionary speakers from across the value chain.
MOVE America 2025 unites some of the biggest names in mobility under one roof, featuring world-class speakers selected for their relevance, dynamism, and cutting-edge insight.
Alongside some familiar faces, this year we welcome a host of brand-new disruptors and industry leaders.
New speakers at MOVE America 2025:
Tim Draper, Founding Partner, Draper Associates
Wen Han, CEO and Founder, Windrose
Magnus Gustafson, Vice President, Volvo Group North America
Raymond Zheng, Managing Director, Honda Xcelerator Ventures
Jennifer Miller, Vice President, DHL Supply Chain
Sanjiv Ghate, Senior Vice President, Stellantis
Michael Ronen, Managing Director, Fortress Investment Group
Tobias Glitterstam, Senior Vice President, International Motors, LLC
3) All new barrier-free access to buy-side delegates.
MOVE 2026 is changing the game—opening its doors to everyone in the mobility ecosystem with no barriers to entry for buy-side delegates.
This year our model ensures that OEMs, investors, government/regulators, fleet operators and CPOs and more can join us for free, so every voice is in the room shaping tomorrow’s mobility.
4) New themes and topics, spotlighting the latest trends and discussions shaping the industry.
MOVE is responding to the rapidly evolving mobility landscape, delivering discussion with a focus on cutting-edge technologies and topical industry developments.
Expect panellists to deep-dive on hot topics such as SDV technology and the impact of Trump’s tariffs.
Attendees can also expect a more concentrated focus on the themes of infrastructure and AI across all 18 stages.
5) Dedicated lounges for networking and informal meetings.
Networking just got radically more efficient. We’ve carved out dedicated lounges for every major vertical, each with curated programming, private meeting alcoves and concierge matchmaking services:
- OEM Lounge: From legacy car and truck makers to the newest EV disruptors, meet your future partners face to face.
- Investor & Accelerator Hub: Deal-flow central for VCs, CVCs and angels with sneak peeks at tomorrow’s unicorns.
- Government & City Zone: Policy makers, regulators and municipal leaders connect in a smart-city think tank.
- Energy & Charging Forum: Batteries, grids and charge-point operators converge to power the next wave of infrastructure.
- Fleet Lounge: Meet the movers and shakers behind Fleet mobility and integrated transport policy.
Our all-new Investor Lounge brings together start-ups with potential investors, providing a bespoke space to build meaningful investor conversations.
6) Official press conferences, attended by representatives from Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, and more.
This platform will amplify major announcements, partnerships, and next-gen innovations to a global audience.
Our press passes allow exclusive access to a press lounge and Q&As with our top speakers.
7) New partnered after-party, in collaboration with Newlab.
What better place to make meaningful connections than over a beer on the MOVE dancefloor?
Alongside our MOVE Groove event, Tech start-up, Newlab, will be hosting MOVE America’s first partnered after party at Michigan Central.
Detroit’s Connect shuttle service will provide transportation for our top speakers to the event.
Expect creative collaboration like you’ve never seen it before!
Want to learn more? Visit our website for up-to-date agendas and a full list of the movers and shakers joining us in Detroit this September.
by Eve Stevens | Aug 20, 2025 | MOVE America |
The US’s #1 converged mobility event is coming to Detroit this September 24-25. With a focus on tech, business models and sustainable futures, the entire mobility ecosystem will unite across two days to collaborate, inspire and innovate.
MOVE America will showcase the leading agents of innovation and progress from automotive OEMs, fleets, CPOs, transport operators, government & cities, tech, investors, utilities, start-ups, and battery manufacturers, across the 18 conference stages.
With change happening every day, we have put together a shortlist of current news updates from some of the biggest disruptors speaking at the event this year.
From strategic partnerships to brand new innovations, read how the companies speaking at MOVE America 2025 have been shifting the narrative and hitting the headlines.
The latest mobility news and updates from the companies speaking at MOVE America 2025
Michael Maten, Director, EV Policy & Regulatory Affairs, General Motors
U.S. company, General Motors, and South Korean automotive giant, Hyundai, are forging a partnership that promises to deliver five new vehicles by 2028.
The five vehicles will focus on Central and South American markets, providing two pick-ups and a compact crossover. For North American markets, the partners are planning to co-develop an electric commercial van.
Read more
Ken Williams, Director – Charging & Energy Services CX, Ford
Ford has chosen to pivot its focus from larger EV models to smaller, commuter-friendly vehicles.
CEO, Jim Farley, has called the pivot a “Model T moment” for the company, hoping this new range of affordable EVs will outcompete Chinese manufacturers.
Read more
Andy Byford, SVP & Special Advisor to the Board, Amtrak
Andy Byford, known affectionately as “Train Daddy”, is helping to spearhead a campaign that connects Washington, Boston and New York by high-speed rail. Amtrak’s newest generation of trains launches later this month, promising, “a first-class travel experience for every passenger.”
The news trains will reach a maximum speed of 160 miles per hour and offer 27% more capacity than current models. Amtrak promises five trains in its initial launch and intends to roll out 28 new services by 2027.
Read more
Magnus Gustafson, Vice President, Connected Services, Volvo Group North America
The all-new Volvo VNL has come to serious critical acclaim, taking home a prestigious ‘Red Dot Award’ in the commercial vehicle category.
The award represents the best in innovation and design and is a highly sought after seal of approval for commercial models.
Read more
Jennifer Miller, Vice President, Integrated Transportation Solutions, DHL Supply Chain
DHL Supply Chain has announced a £550 million investment to boost growth in the UK.
The investment will fund the acceleration of warehouse automation, deploying over 1,000 new robots to work collaboratively alongside staff in the UK and Ireland.
The move is part of DHL’s broader strategy to scale up operations in the UK and Ireland, relying on increased digitalisation and automation to boost growth.
Read more
Jeremy Bird, EVP of Driver Experience, Lyft
Lyft Inc. partners with Chinese multinational, Baidu, in a bid to bring their autonomous vehicles to European markets. The landmark partnership will launch Baidu’s Apollo Go RT6 autonomous vehicles in Germany and the UK first as early as 2026.
The strategic partnership represents a huge step forward in delivering autonomous mobility to European consumers.
Read more
Toks Omishakin, Secretary, California State Transportation Agency
The largest state-led infrastructure project in the U.S. is underway in California, aiming to deliver high speed rail across the Golden State. According to Secretary Toks Omishakin:
“The high-speed rail project is creating jobs, transforming communities and delivering real progress”.
Read more
To see these speakers joined by 500+ more of mobility’s top disruptors, buy your tickets here today!
Visit our website for up-to-date agendas and a full list of the movers and shakers joining us in Detroit this September.
by Grace Dawes | Jan 16, 2025 | Energy & Charging, Interviews, MOVE America, Popular, Tech & Data |
With the heavy reliance on Asia for critical materials required to build electric vehicle (EV) batteries, the call to localise supply chains has grown louder.
Robert Winans, the Chief Supply Chain Officer for Panasonic Energy of North America, outlined the company’s efforts in creating this domestic supply chain.
With cell production facilities in Nevada and Kansas, along with supply partnerships in Tennessee and Canada, Panasonic is positioning North America as a growing hub for EV battery production.
“When we do this, we establish a North American supply chain, reduce emissions from overseas logistics, and start building North America to be a centre of the EV battery industry,” Winans said.
Watch the full interview below to hear more about how Panasonic are moving their supply base closer to where the customer is and the major trends they predict are on the horizon.
by Grace Dawes | Jan 6, 2025 | Autos, Business, Events, Interviews, MOVE America, Popular, Video |
Ryan Pritchard, CEO of SHAED, shared insights into addressing mobility challenges through an ecosystem approach at this year’s MOVE America 2024.
“We’re walking into a room trying to solve a very difficult problem,” Pritchard stated, noting the value of bringing together diverse stakeholders at events like MOVE. He highlighted SHAED’s efforts to tackle the complexities of mobility by fostering partnerships and aligning with innovators addressing real-world issues.
A key focus of SHAED’s strategy is advancing sustainable mobility solutions while appealing to younger generations. Pritchard pointed to SHAED’s collaboration with high-performance vehicle developers as an example of cross-industry innovation.
“We’re betting on the future of mobility by blending speed, sustainability, and innovation,” he explained.
As a platinum sponsor of MOVE America, SHAED utilises opportunities to connect with industry leaders, explore adoption barriers for commercial fleets, and promote an integrated mobility ecosystem.
Pritchard emphasised the importance of collaboration in creating actionable solutions:
“Every problem we need solved can be addressed by the people in this room.”
Michael Maten, Director, EV Policy & Regulatory Affairs, General Motors
Ken Williams, Director – Charging & Energy Services CX, Ford 
Andy Byford, SVP & Special Advisor to the Board, Amtrak 
Magnus Gustafson, Vice President, Connected Services, Volvo Group North America
Jennifer Miller, Vice President, Integrated Transportation Solutions, DHL Supply Chain
Jeremy Bird, EVP of Driver Experience, Lyft
Toks Omishakin, Secretary, California State Transportation Agency 
