The North American International Auto Show is expanding to provide a virtual stage for automotive and mobility industry leaders through a new digital thought leadership series starting Sept. 22.
Q’d Up Mobility will be a monthly web-based series that will serve as a platform for the industry’s top executives, experts, and analysts to discuss their latest insights and share mobility innovations and give manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and auto enthusiasts the opportunity to hear from the industry’s best minds.
The series will kick off Sept. 22 with Martin Fischer, president of ZF North America in Northville Township, who will open a window into the business strategy that is not only steering a 100-year-old automotive supplier through a global pandemic but also is helping to transform the organization into a global leader in autonomy, integrated vehicle safety, electrification, and vehicle motion control technologies.
“The automotive industry is no stranger to adversity but none of us could have predicted the severity of this pandemic, just like we cannot predict the ripple effects or an ending,” says Fischer. “However, the companies who have learned to navigate crisis situations are finding ways to keep the spirit of innovation alive as we look beyond COVID-19 toward the clean and safe mobility future we had envisioned in 2019.”
Those interested in attending the event can register for free here.
“Our show has long been a catalyst for industry-shaping news, showcasing leading automakers and mobility innovators, and attracting global media,” says Rod Alberts, executive director of the NAIAS. “These longstanding relationships provide us with a unique brand that sets the stage for Q’d Up Mobility, which will serve as a premier virtual venue for everything auto and mobility.”
NAIAS also has formed a marketing partnership with the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Society of Automotive Analysts (SAA) to cross-promote programming in the months ahead.
“As soon as the three organizations began talking, it became clear that it would be beneficial for all of us to work together to leverage our networks to promote premium content that provides value for the members of each organization,” said Todd Lassa, president of APA, and Scott Tappan, president of SAA, in a joint statement.
According to Alberts, Q’d Up Mobility will provide a look into what the canceled 2020 NAIAS had lined up for guests. The idea emerged from the industry interest for AutoMobili-D, NAIAS’s mobility showcase for technology displays and thought leadership, before the spread of COVID-19 led to the cancelation of the 2020 NAIAS.
AutoMobili-D was set to feature more than 150 speakers covering leading-edge technology and internationally known thought leaders in mobility.
In addition to the monthly premiere events, Q’d Up Mobility also will feature additional, shorter virtual discussions and interviews. The addition of Q’d Up Mobility is a natural addition to NAIAS’ family of seven events that also includes Motor Bella, The Gallery, Press Preview, AutoMobili-D, Industry Preview, Charity Preview, and the public show, say organizers.
“We realized there was an opportunity to channel the enthusiasm for our show into a series of virtual events,” says Doug North, chairman of 2021 NAIAS. “What was truly gratifying was the immense interest that we discovered as we began reaching out to potential partners for this series of events.”
Key dates for the 2021 NAIAS:
Motor Bella: June 11-13
The Gallery: June 14
Press Preview: June 15-16
AutoMobili-D: June 15-17
Industry Preview: June 16-17
Charity Preview: June 18
Public Show: June 19-26
