The LIASE Group was proud to co-host the 2018 International Suppliers Fair (IZB) VIP Dinner with Automobilwoche in Wolfsburg, Germany, on October 16th, 2018.

Vanessa Moriel (LIASE Group Founder and Managing Director Asia) and Wolfgang Doell (LIASE Group President) gathered together with top executives from leading global manufacturers and auto suppliers to discuss current trends and future opportunities in the automotive industry.

The VIP dinner took place at the Ritz Carlton in Wolfsburg, on the sidelines of the 10th IZB Fair. The IZB Fair was held from October 16 to 18, 2018. Over 800 exhibitors from 34 different countries participated in this biennial event.

The LIASE Group team composed of Vanessa and Wolfsburg also had the opportunity to communicate with exhibitors and participants on the opening days of IZB Fair.

Guests discussing before dinner.

Speech from Helmut Kluger (Automobilwoche), the host of the VIP dinner

Speech from Wolfgang Doell (LIASE Group President)

Wolfgang talking with a guest

VIP Dinner

Speech from Vanessa Moriel, Managing Director and Board Member of LIASE Group

Vanessa with a PWC executive

LIASE Group Managing Director Asia Pacific Vanessa Moriel participated in the Global Automotive Forum (GAF) 2018 in the margins of Chongqing’s International Auto Industry Fair at the Chongqing Yuelai International Convention Center on June 5-6, 2018.
 
The Global Automotive Forum has been held in Chongqing for four years in a row. The event gather global industry elites to discuss the hot topics in the automotive sector.
 
Of the more than 820 attendees, one third come from OEMs; one third from suppliers, distributors, and automotive-related areas; and the other third from the Chinese and Foreign media. LIASE Group was pleased to sponsor GAF 2018.
 
GAF 2018 revolved around the theme of Shaping the Future of an Industry in Transition. The forum kickd off with an opening statement from Wang Xia, Chairman, of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Automotive Committee; Chairman, China Chamber of International Commerce Automotive Chamber.
 
Vanessa Moriel, Managing Director Asia Pacific, LIASE Group moderated a panel discussion on how the banking and private equity community is changing its approach towards the auto industry against the continuing backdrop of outbound investment by Chinese companies and traditional M&A activity with domestic and international automotive executives. The Panelist included:
– Patrick Steinemann, Managing Partner of A1 Capital
– Jim O’neill, Chief Operation Officer of JFP Holdings, Ltd
– Diao Shu, Vice President, Xiamen Financial Leasing Co., Ltd.
 
The event was very well attended by leading domestic and international automotive executives. Some of the main speakers included:
– Zhu Huarong, President of Changan Automobile
– Yang Hongze, Chairman of Beijing Auto Link World Technology Co. Ltd
– Xia Heng, Co-founder and President of XPeng Motors
– Liu Xiaozhi, Founder and CEO, ASL Automobile Science & Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
– Bill Russo, Founder and CEO, Automobility Limited
– Ashvin Chotai, Managing Director, Intelligence Automotive Asia, UK
– Shashikant Vaidyanathan, Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Abraxas Motors Limited (UK), India
– Li Shufu, Chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, China

VIP dinner at GAF 2018 in Chongqing.

Mr. Li Shufu, Chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.

Mr. Li Shufu speaking during the closing plenary session.

Xia Heng, Co-founder and President of XPeng Motors.

Panel discussion on New Energy Vehicles: Driving the Next Phase of Growth.

The opening plenary was titled Changing Industry Landscape: Making a Transition from a Traditional Auto Industry to the New Era.

Patrick Steinemann, Managing Partner of A1 Capital.

GAF 2018 featured a designer roundtable on Auto Design and Styling: How are Electric Cars, Smart Cars, and New Mobility Concepts Changing the Role of Design and Styling?

LIASE Group Managing Director Asia Vanessa Moriel and her team attended Auto China 2018 in Beijing. One of the most influential automotive exhibition in the world, the event was held from April 25 to May 4, 2018 in the capital of China. The LIASE Group team met with a number of regional and global automotive executives, and participated in the 4^th Car Symposium.
 

Auto China is held in Beijing every second year. It has already been held 14 times. This year’s Beijing auto show was once again dominated by NEVs. Visitors to the show were not disappointed as 1,022 vehicles in total were exhibited. There were 105 world premieres (16 among which are from global companies), 30 Asia premieres, 64 concept cars and 174 NEVs (124 of which are local NEVs).
 

SUVs remain a hotspot

174 NEVs were shown at Auto China 2018, including pure NEVs and hybrid NEVs, SUVs, MPVs and other models. 70% of total new energy exhibits (124 units) were local NEVs.
 

Local brands are catching up in electrics. BYD Auto debuted two hybrid SUVs and an electric concept car. Chery Automobile Co. showed two electric sedans, an SUV and a hatchback.
 

Sport-utility vehicles remain popular. Around 82 new SUV models were rolled out for this year’s exhibition.
 

Some premium carmakers, such as Volvo and Jaguar Land Rover had sport-utility cars on exhibit at the auto show.
 

Volvo debuted a vehicle called the XC40. Jaguar Land Rover showcased its compact SUV called E-PACE and an electric SUV called I-PACE.
 

Steering to a new era

Under the background of a series of accelerated combinations between innovative technology and auto industry, this year’s theme was “Steering to a New Era”, the idea being to revolutionize the concept of auto-mobility.
 

Echoing the theme, BorgWarner showed its broad product portfolio of technology solutions for combustion, hybrid and electric vehicles. General Motors unveiled two green models, including a plug-in hybrid sedan called Buick Velite 6 and an electric SUV concept car called Buick Enspire. As for Nissan, they showcased three electric vehicle models and its electrified powertrain technology at the show.
 

Since China is a major car market, automakers from around the world made announcement during Auto China 2018. Hyundai Motor unveiled a new strategic model for the Chinese market.
 

Weiming Soh, Member of the board of management, Executive Vice President of Volkswagen Group China spoke during the Volkswagen Event.

Lamborghini’s new SUV model was showcased.

The first EV model by SOL – new JV between Volkswagen and JAC.

LIASE Group’s Vanessa Moriel and Carsten Breitfeld, Co-Founder of Byton.

Vanessa Moriel, Managing Director Asia Pacific, LIASE Group and the CEO of an NEV company.

Founder of an NEV company.

Vanessa Moriel, Managing Director Asia Pacific, LIASE Group and an NEV company board member.

Byton management team group photo after Byton Press Release.

New Volkswagen models were showcased.

YUDO’s new EV model π7 was showcased.

If the 2018 edition of CES was all about the cars of the future, then the 2018 Detroit Auto Show featured the cars of today.
 

Taking place January 13-21, 2018, the North American International Automotive Show featured the newest trucks, SUVs and sedans available to American consumers. It also was host to a number of important news and announcements for the future of the automotive industry.
 

LIASE Group was present to network with automotive executives and stay abreast of the latest automotive trends.
 

Ford and GM make major announcements

On their home ground in Detroit, the 3 big American constructors made a series of exciting announcements and reveals.
 

Ford announced it is investing $11 billion in electric cars by 2022 to catch up with other automakers. It also said it would build 16 new electric cars in the next 5 years.  GM, Daimler AG, Volvo and Volkswagen had all previously announced similarly ambitious plans to expand their electric vehicle offering.
 

Ford also took advantage of the show to reveal the 2019 Ranger, Edge ST and Mustang Bullitt.
 

Meanwhile, Ford’s Detroit-based rival, GM, announced its plans to start building self-driving cars without steering wheels in the near future. The Chevy Bolts in the plan are already being tested in two American cities. GM has already petitioned the American government to deploy its new vehicles.
 

GM also unveiled the 2019 Chevy Silverado. The light-truck weighs 450 pounds lighter than its predecessor, thanks in part to new aluminum body panels.
 

Meanwhile, Fiat Chrysler unveiled the 2019 Ram 1500. Lighter and with a hybrid system, the new Ram truck improves on fuel economy.  Ferrari announced it was building a battery-powered supercar.
 

Major reveals and announcements

Mercedes-Benz might have had the biggest unveiling of the show with the new G-Class wagon. The luxurious and brawny SUV was unveiled by Daimler AG CEO Dieter Zetsche alongside none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger. The 2019 G-Wagon primarily upgraded its capability and interior comfort.
 

The new Honda Insight hybrid prototype is the car that will eventual replace the Civic hybrid. It is smaller than an Accord but larger than a Civic.
 

Kia unveiled its newest Sedan, the 2019 Forte. The new Forte features an eco-friendly new motor and plenty of tech, including an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
 

Many people believe that the Infiniti Q Inspiration concept was the prettiest car at the show. A preview of the next generation of Infiniti Sedans, the concept featured beautiful curves and a luxurious interior.
 

Volkswagen featured the 2019 version of it’s US best-selling car, the Jetta. The new upgrade features a configurable digital dash inspired by Audi, and a large touchscreen for the infotainment system. It is based on the Golf and A3 frame.
 

Black tie charity preview

LIASE Group once again participated in the annual charity preview, one of the most high profile events in the American auto industry. Organizers said 13,000 people attended the event and raised a grand total of $5.1 million for eight children’s charities.

Vanessa Moriel, Managing Director Asia Pacific, LIASE Group and John Bukowicz, Managing Director Americas, LIASE Group at the new Ford Ranger’s booth.

LIASE Group’s Vanessa Moriel and John Bukowicz (left) with a Brose Senior Executive.

NAIAS Black Tie.

LIASE Group’s Vanessa Moriel at the BMW afterparty.

Vanessa Moriel, Managing Director Asia Pacific, LIASE Group and Vic Doolan, Non-Executive Board Member, LIASE Group

LIASE Group’s Vic Doolan (middle) with a renowned Detroit auto journalist at the Xmotion Nissan booth.

Nissan Chief Designer, Alfonso Albaisa at the Xmotion Nissan booth.

Jose Munoz at the Nissan Press Conference

Mr. John S. Chen, CEO of Blackberry.

With executives from a Michigan-based Tier 1 supplier Lucerne International at the Detroit Women Association Breakfast, including Mary Buchzeiger, CEO.

CES has become one of the world’s major automotive shows. 2018 was no exception. Taking place January 9-12, CES 2018 featured all the hottest tech, futuristic ideas and autonomous news that can fit into a 290,000 square-foot exhibit space.
 
LIASE Group was present to network with global automotive executives and keep abreast of the latest industry trends.
 
Connectivity

This being the consumer electronics show, carmakers made a number of connectivity announcements.
 
Toyota announced Alexa is coming to some of its Toyota and Lexus cars. The Japanese automaker joins BMW, Ford and Hyundai in offering Alexa voice integration. Jaguard LandRover announced a competing HomeLink Connect technology to launch this year.
 
Ford announced that it’s integrating Waze into its Sync 3 infotainment system, so users won’t have to check or deal with their phones while driving.
 
Hyundai showed off an AI enhanced voice recognition technology that can monitor vital signs called the Intelligent Personal Cockpit.
 
New reveals

Byton, a Chinese electric vehicle startup founded by the former head of the BMW i8 program Carsten Breitfeld and the former managing director of Infiniti China Daniel Kirchert presented a concept SUV. The automaker promised a range above 300 km and a price point of US$ 45,000. The interior features a large display that spans the entire dashboard.
 
Hyundai showed off the new Nexo SUV with the company’s latest generation of hydrogen fuel cell technology.
 
Nissan unveiled “brain to vehicle technology” that uses brain waves to sense when you are going to take certain actions. The technology does not yet have a release date.
 
Kia completed showed off a battery-electric concept with a 64-kWh battery pack allows 350 km plus range.
 
Delphi’s mobility arm, Aptiv, showed a self-driving car. Working together with Lyft, the supplier offered self-driving rides to dozens of destinations.
 
Ford talks about integrated mobility

Ford built a small indoor street to showcase its vision of integrated mobility including cars, bikes, pedestrians and Ford self-driving vehicles.
 
Integrated mobility was also the topic of Ford CEO Jim Hackett’s talk at CES. In his keynote address, Hackett talked about shared transportation and smart cities to help with the development of autonomous driving and connectivity.
 
The Detroit automaker unveiled a new self-driving platform with partners like Lyft, Domino’s Pizza and Postmates. It also made announcement regarding its work with Qualcomm to install “vehicle-to-everything” (V2X) cellular technology in all of its cars.
 
The Consumer Telematics Show

Held the day before the start of CES on January 8, the Consumer Telematics Show gathered 500+ senior automotive executives to discuss topics including:

• -Blockchain and automotive data
• -Electrification, EVs and autonomy in the era of sustainable cities
• -The role of consumer tech such as AR and digital assistants in redefining automotive UX
• -Automated mobility on demand
• -New business models for a new age of mobility

 
Notable speakers at the event included:

• -Rajiv Phougat – CTO – Industry Solutions & Strategy, Automotive, Aerospace & Defense, IBM
• -Nick Pudar – Director of Strategic Initiatives, GM
• -Matt Jones – SVP Software Engineering, Hyperloop One
• -Brad Stertz – Director of Government Affairs, Audi of America
• -Danny Shapiro – Senior Director of Automotive, NVIDIA
• -Kenny Hawk – CEO, Mojio
• -Gil Perez – SVP, IoT & Digital Supply Chain, SAP
• -Kenichi Murata – General Manager, Connected Strategy Department, Connected Company, Toyota
• -Erik Ekudden – CTO, Ericsson
• -Caroline Chan – VP, Network Platforms Group General Manager, 5G Infrastructure Division, Intel
• -Richard Barlow – CEO, Wejo
• -Joe Fabbre – Director of Platform Solutions, GreenHills Software
• -Sinan Yordem – Global Ecosystem Manager – 3MTM Connected Roads, 3M
• -Uri Tamir – Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, Mobileye
• -Kurt Hoppe – Global Head of Innovation – Connected Car, General Motors
• -Alex Thibault – General Manager – North America, Vulog
• -John Bukowicz – Managing Director – The Americas & Board Member, LIASE Group
• -Lars Shultheiss – Head of Sales & Portfolio, Business Unit Infotainment & Connectivity, Continental
• -Tom Freeman – Senior Vice President – Land Mobile, Kymeta
• -Anne-Lise Thieblemont – Senior Director of Global Technology Policy, Qualcomm/5G Americas

 
LIASE Group was proud to serve as a co-sponsor of the 2018 edition of CTS.

Vanessa Moriel with José Muñoz, Chief Performance Officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Muñoz was Chairman of Nissan North America from 2014 to January 2018.

John Bukowicz, Managing Director Americas, LIASE Group speaking on a panel at the 2018 Consumer Telematics Show with Martin Rossell, Managing Director, WirelessCar; Rahul Sonnad, CEO & Co-Founder, Tesloop; Cletus Nunes, Director of Sales, Octo Telematics North America; Russ Lemmer, EVP of Mobility, Silvercar.

John’s panel at CTS was titled “A Connected, Autonomous, Electrified Future for Mobility.” The panel discussed whether electrification or automation technology are redefining traditional mobility models.

Carsten Breitfeld, CEO & Co-Founder of Byton, with Vanessa Moriel, Managing Director Asia Pacific with LIASE Group.

LIASE Group’s Vanessa Moriel with one of the leaders of Byton.

Dr. Carsten Breitfeld, CEO, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board of Byton taking a picture with members of his team, including Ding Qingfen, Head of External Affairs, Public Relations and Government Affairs.

In a keynote address, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang unveiled a slew of news and initiatives. He talked about training AI in virtual space as well as the certification of NVIDIA’s drive stack to ISO 26262 standard, with full functional safety.

NVIDIA announced the Xavier system on a chip, with about 9 billion transistors. 2000 Nvidia engineers have been working for three years the chip. The company’s vision is that all the processing needed by self-driving car, from image processing, sensor calibration, perception, localization, and pathfinding can run on Xavier. They are working with 320 partners to advanced the development of this technology.

Dr. Hebert Diess, CEO of Volkswagen was on hand to announce that it will use Nvidia’s Drive IX in some of its upcoming vehicles, including the I.D. Buzz electric bus. Drive IX is a software developer kit that uses the Xavier chip. Volkswagen is planning to use the software for facial recognition, gesture control, natural language processing, etc. The German carmaker will also use Drive AR, a new augmented technology.

Carsten Breitfeld and Daniel Kirchert, Byton’s co-founders present their concept SUV, which they believe will be the first ever truly smart car.

Byton’s design team is headed by Benoît Jacques, BMW Group’s former vice president of design. He is credited with having designed the BMW i3 and i8 electric cars.

The most striking aspect of the Byton concept is the giant display taking up almost the entire dashboard. The screen is central to Byton’s concept of a car that bridge’s the automotive and digital lives of consumers.

The Byton concept will be built in Nanjing, China.

Nissan brought its IMx concept SUV to CES 2018 for its U.S. reveal. The all-electric SUV features a wraparound display in the front of the car that shows the entire surrounding of the vehicle. There are a number of external cameras to show blind spots.

Bell helicopter made headlines with its electric flying taxi. The cabin of the helicopter was on display for all to see and the helicopter maker plans to unveil the full model at a later date. Bell wants to make helicopter travel a more affordable proposition that’s available to everyone.

Ford built a small indoor street to showcase its vision of integrated mobility including cars, bikes, pedestrians and Ford self-driving vehicles. Integrated mobility was also the topic of Ford CEO Jim Hackett’s keynote address. Hackett talked about shared transportation and smart cities to help with the development of autonomous driving and connectivity.