The global automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation. Electromobility is driving greater drivetrain diversity, while shifting supply chain structures and a worsening shortage of skilled labour are intensifying the pressure. But it’s not just external conditions fuelling this change – the vehicles themselves and the way they’re built are being fundamentally reimagined.
Attend this event to gain a comprehensive perspective on the current changes and future developments in car body production: from material and technology innovations to advanced methods of process control and quality assurance.
Key Topics Covered:
The need for fewer, larger body components
- Car bodies are shifting to large-format structural parts for efficiency.
- If widely adopted, 50–70% of today’s body components could become obsolete.
Impact on SMEs
- Many current parts may no longer be needed, risking lost business and jobs.
- Requires a full rethink of materials, technologies, and manufacturing processes.
Logistics and footprint
- Oversized parts are inefficient to transport; production must move closer to final assembly lines.
- Existing facilities (e.g., press hardening) aren’t built for these dimensions.
- Calls for major capital investment and targeted workforce upskilling tied to new locations.
Automation, AI, and talent
- High automation and deep technical expertise are essential to run new lines efficiently.
- AI will be increasingly necessary as process complexity grows.
- Human expertise remains foundational—AI models still rely on well-trained specialists.
Join us to help shape the future of car body manufacturing and turn these challenges into opportunities!
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Agenda
September 24, 2025
9 a.m. Registration and networking
9:30 a.m. Welcome by Dan Stewart, Automation Alley, and Christian Kovacs, Leading Insights SRL
9:40 a.m. Business overview, Russell Zarra, Fraunhofer USA
10:00 a.m. Presentations begin
1:10 p.m. Lunch
2:20 p.m. Presentations resume
4:40 p.m. End of Day 1
6:00 p.m. Networking Reception at Royal Park Hotel 600 E. University Dr. Rochester, MI 48307
September 25, 2025
9 a.m. Registration and networking
9:30 a.m. Presentations begin
12:30 p.m. Lunch
2 p.m. Presentations resume
4:50 p.m. Event concludes
September 26, 2025
Company Visits:
8:45 a.m.-12:45 a.m. Andritz Schuler USA 7145 Commerce Blvd Canton, MI 48187
1:00 p.m.-4:50 p.m. ABB Inc. Robotics 1250 Brown Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
