Episode 1
An environmental evolution
Sep 10, 2023
Against the backdrop of a warming planet and urgent calls for climate action, the auto industry is looking to play a pivotal role in cutting carbon emissions. This episode looks at the industry’s early days transforming American mobility, how that sets the stage for its present-day attempts to go green and ongoing criticism from environmental groups who say the industry continues to “fuel the climate crisis.”
Episode 2
GM’s big leap into an “all-electric future”
Sep 10, 2023
Late September 2017 is a pivotal moment in General Motors’ history. Discover how GM’s leadership grappled with the need to embrace a sweeping change and how the company went from doubting its own electrification ambitions to proudly proclaiming, “General Motors believes in an all-electric future.”
Episode 3
Toyota’s EV dissent and “Galapagos syndrome”
Sep 10, 2023
Toyota has gone from being an environmental darling, lauded for pioneering hybrid technology, to a pariah among many conservationists. Gill Pratt, CEO of the Toyota Research Institute, defends the company’s commitment to hybrids. And we hear from environmental activists and former government officials who say the world’s largest auto company is dangerously dragging its feet.
Episode 4
“We Are Plastcoat:” The role of suppliers and manufacturing
Sep 10, 2023
Carbon reduction is not just about automakers. Suppliers are playing a crucial role in the industry’s carbon neutrality efforts. Host Jake Neher and Automotive News Executive Editor Jamie Butters visit Magna International’s Plastcoat facility in Brampton, Ontario, and get a glimpse of its eco-friendly practices — from energy-efficient manufacturing to employee-driven sustainability initiatives. They explore how companies such as Magna are responding to demands from customers, employees and other stakeholders to reduce carbon footprints.
Episode 5
Powering Progress: The role of utilities in decarbonizing the auto industry
Sep 25, 2023
More than ever before, energy utilities are becoming a key supplier to the auto industry as it looks to reduce emissions. Companies such as DTE Energy in Southeast Michigan are working directly with auto manufacturers to supply factories with renewable energy while offsetting fossil fuel consumption. In this episode, Jake Neher and Jamie Butters tour DTE’s 250-acre solar park and explore the many ways utilities are partnering with the industry. Plus, a conversation with Ford Vice President of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Bob Holycross.
Episode 6
How government action can help or hurt industry efforts
Oct 9, 2023
From 2009 to 2012, Margo Oge served at the EPA as the architect of the U.S. government’s first-ever formal action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. In this episode, Oge talks about that landmark deal with automakers and the lessons it offers for regulators and industry insiders today.
Episode 7
The tech breakthroughs that could steer the industry toward net zero
Oct 23, 2023
While the electrification revolution is well underway, getting to a world of zero emissions will be tough without the help of new technologies. Breakthroughs such as scalable solid-state batteries and hydrogen fuel cells could someday propel the industry — and the world — toward a greener future.
Episode 8
The road ahead
Nov 6, 2023
While much of the groundwork has been laid for the auto industry’s transition to carbon neutrality, many obstacles remain. This episode looks into the future of the decarbonizing auto industry, exploring the key developments, emerging trends and strategies that are shaping a more sustainable automotive landscape.
Episode 2
GM’s big leap into an “all-electric future”
Sep 10, 2023
Late September 2017 is a pivotal moment in General Motors’ history. Discover how GM’s leadership grappled with the need to embrace a sweeping change and how the company went from doubting its own electrification ambitions to proudly proclaiming, “General Motors believes in an all-electric future.”
Episode 3
Toyota’s EV dissent and “Galapagos syndrome”
Sep 10, 2023
Toyota has gone from being an environmental darling, lauded for pioneering hybrid technology, to a pariah among many conservationists. Gill Pratt, CEO of the Toyota Research Institute, defends the company’s commitment to hybrids. And we hear from environmental activists and former government officials who say the world’s largest auto company is dangerously dragging its feet.
Episode 4
“We Are Plastcoat:” The role of suppliers and manufacturing
Sep 10, 2023
Carbon reduction is not just about automakers. Suppliers are playing a crucial role in the industry’s carbon neutrality efforts. Host Jake Neher and Automotive News Executive Editor Jamie Butters visit Magna International’s Plastcoat facility in Brampton, Ontario, and get a glimpse of its eco-friendly practices — from energy-efficient manufacturing to employee-driven sustainability initiatives. They explore how companies such as Magna are responding to demands from customers, employees and other stakeholders to reduce carbon footprints.
Episode 5
Powering Progress: The role of utilities in decarbonizing the auto industry
Sep 25, 2023
More than ever before, energy utilities are becoming a key supplier to the auto industry as it looks to reduce emissions. Companies such as DTE Energy in Southeast Michigan are working directly with auto manufacturers to supply factories with renewable energy while offsetting fossil fuel consumption. In this episode, Jake Neher and Jamie Butters tour DTE’s 250-acre solar park and explore the many ways utilities are partnering with the industry. Plus, a conversation with Ford Vice President of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Bob Holycross.
Episode 6
How government action can help or hurt industry efforts
Coming Oct 9, 2023
From 2009 to 2012, Margo Oge served at the EPA as the architect of the U.S. government’s first-ever formal action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. In this episode, Oge talks about that landmark deal with automakers and the lessons it offers for regulators and industry insiders today.
Episode 7
The tech breakthroughs that could steer the industry toward net zero
Coming Oct 23, 2023
While the electrification revolution is well underway, getting to a world of zero emissions will be tough without the help of new technologies. Breakthroughs such as scalable solid-state batteries and hydrogen fuel cells could someday propel the industry — and the world — toward a greener future.
Episode 8
The road ahead
Coming Nov 6, 2023
While much of the groundwork has been laid for the auto industry’s transition to carbon neutrality, many obstacles remain. This episode looks into the future of the decarbonizing auto industry, exploring the key developments, emerging trends and strategies that are shaping a more sustainable automotive landscape.
