From the very first handshake to the final roundtable, MBS 2025 was more than a conference – it was a movement.
Here’s a look back at what we built together.
Day 1: Where Legacy Meets Launch
We opened MBS 2025 with the 60th Anniversary Celebration Dinner—an evening honoring six decades of mobility innovation and visionary leadership.
A highlight was a heartfelt tribute to Dr. David Cole, who received the Center for Automotive Research Legacy Award for Lifetime Achievement in recognition of his profound impact on automotive policy, technology, and the industry.
Day 2: Innovation, Sustainability, & Bold Moves
Dr. Gill Pratt (Toyota) highlighted rising vehicle costs, Toyota’s “pull system” as a model for climate policy, and research showing that simple reminders boost PHEV satisfaction and charging.
Shiplan Amin (GM) emphasized supply chain resilience built on adaptability, trust, and their “build where you sell & buy where you build” strategy.
Robert Lee (LG Energy Solution) pointed to growing EV adoption—highlighting lower lifetime costs, durability, and reduced emissions despite upfront price challenges.
CAR Research unveiled a dynamic tariff model to guide policymakers, OEMs, and suppliers.
Additional sessions explored tariffs, NHTSA safety outcomes, securing U.S. leadership in V2X, the SDV race, and the promise of AI.
Day 3: Powering Forward, Together
Governor Gretchen Whitmer reminded attendees that Michigan is not only the birthplace of mobility but also the heartbeat of its future. She highlighted Michigan’s position as a leader in advanced manufacturing, ranked among the top three states for business three years running, #1 in mobility, and home to 62% of U.S. spending on new automotive technology.
In a fireside chat, Jason Hoff of Mercedes-Benz underscored flexibility in electrification, trade policy, and charging infrastructure—while reaffirming its “One Mercedes-Benz” commitment to working globally as one team to deliver a premier customer experience.
Scott King of Ford and Bill Keegan of IBM shared how AI is enhancing, not replacing, human work. Ford’s MAIVS system at the Rouge plant acts as a “co-pilot” for quality control, catching issues early while relying on human expertise. Both companies stressed that transparency and early stakeholder buy-in are critical for successful adoption.
In a session on America’s Global Competitiveness at Crossroads, Honda’s Jennifer Thomas noted, “Honda is more American than General Motors or Stellantis,” pointing to its strong U.S. manufacturing base. She emphasized the importance of maintaining USMCA, working with allies in Europe and East Asia, and ensuring fair competition amid tariff pressures.
CAR Research presented an OEM Plant Risk Assessment for economic development and a State of Automotive Investment report, highlighting how the industry drives the U.S. economy. Additional sessions explored next-generation mobility, lightweighting and sustainability, building a U.S. battery materials supply chain, and the role of motorsport in driving innovation and business value.
The evening ended on a high note at the joint networking reception with the Semiconductor Forum, sparking fresh ideas and connections across the industry.
