What’s Happening in the US Auto Industry?

The US auto industry is facing some major challenges and changes in 2023, as labor disputes, new vehicle launches, and electric vehicle (EV) trends are making headlines. Here are some of the latest developments that you should know about.

1. Dawn of UAW Strike as Contract Deadline Nears: The United Auto Workers Union (UAW), which represents about 150,000 workers at Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler), are now on strike as no new contract agreements have been reached. The union demands higher wages, better job security, and a shorter path to top pay for new hires. The union also wants a 32-hour, four-day workweek with no pay cuts.

The automakers have offered wage increases ranging from 17.5% to 20%. Still, the union says that is not enough to compensate for workers’ sacrifices during the 2008-09 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. The automakers are also reluctant to commit to more US production and investment, citing the uncertainty of the market and the transition to EVs.

The last UAW strike against GM in 2019 lasted 40 days and cost the company $3 billion in lost profits. The impact of the longer-term strike against all three automakers will cause disruptions in the supply chain, affect vehicle productions, thus impacting dealerships and consumers, and slow the recovery from the pandemic-era vehicle price-gouging consumers have experienced for the last few years.

2. New Models Debut at Detroit Auto Show: Despite the labor unrest, the US auto industry is also showcasing some of its latest innovations and products at the Detroit Auto Show, which was held in September for the first time after being canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19. The show featured a mix of traditional vehicles and new EVs, as well as some surprises.

Some of the highlights include:

– The 2024 GMC Acadia, which gets bigger again with a longer wheelbase, more cargo space, and a new V6 engine.

– The 2024 Ford F-150, which gets a new base engine, a new tailgate, and design updates.

– The 2024 Cadillac CT5, which aims to attract younger buyers with an updated look, more tech features, and a performance-oriented Blackwing model.

– The 2024 Jeep Gladiator, which gets a new grille, a bigger touchscreen, and more off-road capabilities.

– The 2025 Lotus Emeya EV, which is a four-door electric sedan that boasts 551 horsepower and a futuristic design.

3. EV Trends Shape the Future of the Industry: The Detroit Auto Show also reflects the growing importance of EVs in the US auto industry, as more automakers are investing in electrification and launching new models to compete with Tesla and other rivals. According to a recent report by BloombergNEF, EV sales in the US are expected to grow from 2% of the market in 2020 to 10% by 2025 and 28% by 2030.

Some of the trends that are shaping the EV landscape include:

– Vehicle-to-grid technology, which allows EVs to send excess power back to the grid or use it for other purposes. Ford, Honda, and BMW have formed a joint venture called EVgo to offer this service to EV owners and operators.

– In-car app integrations, which enhance the user experience and functionality of EVs. Google has announced new partnerships with Zoom, Prime Video, Spotify, and others to bring their apps to Android Automotive OS-powered vehicles.

– Charging infrastructure challenges, which remain a key barrier to mass adoption of EVs. According to a study by Consumer Reports and the Union of Concerned Scientists, the US needs to install about 20 million public charging stations by 2035 to meet the demand of EV drivers.

Conclusion

The US auto industry is undergoing a transformation that will affect its workers, customers, and environment. As labor negotiations continue, new models debut and EV trends evolve, it will be interesting to see how the industry adapts and innovates in the coming years.