Chris Holman welcomes Elizabeth Krear, new President and Chief Executive Officer, CAR, Center for Automotive Research, Ann Arbor, MI.
Watch Elizabeth and Chris discuss how she is leading CAR into the future — MBS 2025 in Detroit, EV strategy, industry research, and Michigan’s global auto leadership in the YouTube video shared below:
Chris had several questions for Elizabeth in this conversation:
About CAR & Elizabeth
Elizabeth, for those who may not be familiar, can you start by telling us a little about the Center for Automotive Research and its mission?
Tell us a bit about your career and what drew you to CAR?
About MBS 2025
CAR’s flagship event, the Management Briefing Seminars, is celebrating its 60th year in 2025.
What makes this year special?
You’re moving MBS to Detroit and hosting it at Michigan Central Station. Why was that location chosen, and what does it symbolize for the industry?
What is the theme for MBS 2025, and why is it timely for the industry right now?
On Industry Trends & CAR Research
CAR recently released the quarterly update to its Book of Deals. Can you explain what that is and what trends it’s revealing about automotive investment in North America?
What challenges do you think the industry will be talking about most at MBS this year?
Michigan’s Role & Future Outlook
What role do you see Michigan playing as the industry transforms globally?
What are you personally most excited about as you look ahead to MBS 2025 and beyond?
Elizabeth Krear Appointed President & CEO of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR)
Automotive innovation leader brings decades of engineering, product development, and EV strategy experience to lead CAR into the future
Ann Arbor, MI – The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Krear as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Krear assumes the role following interim leadership by David Leckey and brings a career-long focus on automotive innovation, electrification, and strategic planning.
Krear most recently served as Vice President of the Electric Vehicle Practice at J.D. Power, where she led client-facing initiatives focused on leveraging data and insights to guide the transition to an electrified mobility ecosystem. Prior to that, she held leadership roles at Stellantis, including Global Planning Program Vice President for Jeep Grand Wagoneer and electrified SUVs/trucks, and Chief Engineer for the Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and Ram 1500 platforms.
“Elizabeth brings an unmatched blend of technical depth, strategic foresight, and leadership across both legacy and emerging mobility sectors,” said Dr. Andrew Brown, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Directors. “She is the right leader to guide CAR through its next chapter—deepening our industry impact and expanding our thought leadership during this era of transformation.”
Over her more than 25-year automotive career, Krear has worked at the forefront of electrification, autonomous systems, product quality, and product development. She was named one of the Top 100 Women in the North American Auto Industry by Automotive News in 2020, a testament to her influence and leadership across the sector.
Krear holds Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Wayne State University and an MBA from the Michigan State University Executive MBA Program.
Positioning CAR for Strategic Growth and Industry Impact
As the automotive industry continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, Krear’s appointment reinforces CAR’s mission to serve as an independent, nonprofit research hub that informs policy, accelerates innovation, and fosters collaboration across the automotive and mobility ecosystem.
“I am excited and honored to lead CAR during such a transformative moment for our industry,” said Krear. “CAR’s work is essential in helping stakeholders navigate electrification, automation, sustainability, and policy shifts. I look forward to working with our partners to ensure CAR remains a trusted voice and strategic catalyst for the future of automotive.”
Center for Automotive Research
The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) is an independent, non-profit organization conducting industry-driven research and analysis. Focusing on critical areas like Energy & Sustainability, Technology, and Labor, Economics, and Policy. CAR has been a trusted resource for the automotive industry for over twenty years. www.cargroup.org
