The manufacturing industry in North America is undergoing its fourth evolution into a high-technology, digitalized, and data-driven industry. This Industry 4.0 period began long before the COVID-19 pandemic affected global society but has been accelerated in response to many of the challenges associated with it. In this report, we examine and explore the current manufacturing industry in North America and the challenges and opportunities it faces as adoption of Industry 4.0 thinking, tools, standards, and processes becomes more widespread.
The manufacturing industry in North America is undergoing its fourth evolution into a high-technology, digitalized, and data-driven industry. This Industry 4.0 period began long before the COVID-19 pandemic affected global society but has been accelerated in response to many of the challenges associated with it. In this report, we examine and explore the current manufacturing industry in North America and the challenges and opportunities it faces as adoption of Industry 4.0 thinking, tools, standards, and processes becomes more widespread.

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About the Event
The Electric Vehicle boom is here and a forecast suggests that by 2035, more than half of new passenger vehicles sold worldwide will be electric. The Electric Mobility Innovations Conference will feature professionals from EV infrastructure, battery manufacturers, and OEMs, along with transportation and energy officials, to discuss EV opportunities and how to invest in the workforce to meet the demands of the automotive sector.
EVENT WILL START IN
Alan Amici
President and CEO
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Accelerating the Future:
EV Transition
Alan Amici is the President and CEO of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR). Alan joined CAR after a 35+ year career with Chrysler and TE Connectivity, holding a variety of positions in engineering, manufacturing, and service. His roles at TE Connectivity included VP & CTO of Transportation Solutions and VP of Engineering of Automotive Americas. Highlights of his tenure at Chrysler include Head of Global Uconnect – Infotainment and Connected Car Platform, Head of Electrical/Electronics Engineering (Torino, Italy & Auburn Hills, Michigan), and Senior Manager of Global Service & Parts (Stuttgart, Germany).
Alan is the owner of two patents and is the recipient of the Walter P. Chrysler Technology Award. He holds an MBA, a Master of Science degree, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan. He currently serves on the Board of Advisors at Penn State Harrisburg and the Department of Industrial Engineering at Wayne State University. He is a graduate of the Chrysler Institute of Engineering.

2025 CONFERENCE AGENDA
(Speaker list is being continuously updated.)
OPENING
8:00am
Registration & Networking Breakfast
8:30am
Welcome

Denise (Rice) Hall
President & CEO, Smart Factory Institute, operated by Peak Performance
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
8:45am
The EV Revolution: Are We Ready for the Shift?
An examination of the current state of the EV market and an anticipated implications of the New Administration's proposed policies on the shift to electrification.

PANEL DISCUSSION
9:30am
Policy vs. Innovation: Who's in Charge?
A critical analysis of whether government policies are accelerating or hindering innovation in electric mobility, with insights into the potential future of regulations under the Trump administration.

Rick Youngblood;
President & CEO Tennessee Automotive Manufacturers Association
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SESSION
10:30am
The Dark Side of Batteries: Addressing Environmental and Ethical Issues
Explore the controversial aspects of battery production, including mining practices, labor conditions, and end-of-life recycling solutions that are critical for sustainable growth.

11:00am
The Infrastructure Race: Can We Keep Up?
Discuss the challenges of scaling up infrastructure to meet EV demand, including the integration of renewable energy sources and the implications for urban planning and grid management.

11:30am
Is the Current Workforce Ready for an Electrified Future?
Engage in a conversation about the skills gap in the automotive workforce, the role of education institutions and whether current training programs can keep pace with technological advancements in EV manufacturing.

PANEL DISCUSSION
1:00pm
TBD

SESSION SPEAKER
1:45pm
TBD
