Advanced Manufacturing and Mobility Business Minute

In this episode of the Advanced Manufacturing and Mobility Business Minute podcast, speakers Raman Ram, Mike Cadenazzi and Mike Iacono examine the turbulence shaping the aerospace and defense sector. While airlines are placing more orders, supply chain issues and safety concerns are impeding production rates. Pilot shortages have become an issue, particularly for regional carriers. In terms of deal activity, private equity has championed creative financing solutions and has emerged as a net buyer despite complex market fundamentals. Regulatory scrutiny remains a significant concern, necessitating proactive planning and engagement with antitrust counsels. Furthermore, sellers are increasingly evaluating prospective buyers for their ability to close deals without regulatory hiccups. Industry leaders anticipate more orders, new solutions to supply chain issues, updates on sustainability challenges and technologies, and more transaction announcements in 2024. As businesses focus on strategic portfolio rationalization, private equity is expected to play an increasingly important role in driving transaction volume and deal value. The podcast also includes perspective from EY Americas A&D Leader Raman Ram and EY Americas A&D Managing Director Mike Cadenazzi, as well as EY Americas Strategy and Transactions Partner Mike Iacono, on where larger deals are getting done in the A&D sector. Key takeaways:

In this episode of the Advanced Manufacturing and Mobility Business Minute podcast, EY analysts Anuj Chandna and Angsuman Sharma share insights from the latest EY Electric Vehicle Country Readiness Index. The EY Electric Vehicle Country Readiness Index (EVCRI) examines global auto markets and their preparedness for an electric vehicle (EV) future. The most recent index evaluated 20 crucial EV markets, representing over 93% of worldwide EV volumes, to gauge their maturity. The index evaluates three fundamental areas — supply, demand and regulatory — to determine what works in driving the overall EV ecosystem and the best practices for each country. China continues its dominance of the EV market, remaining the undisputed leader in electrification of its vehicle market. Norway retains the second position in electrification, with the US, Sweden and the UK completing the rest of the leadership positions. Rising fuel costs, increasing availability of EV models and swelling penalties on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles encourage consumer adoption of EVs across the globe. However, the lack of charging stations and higher upfront cost of EVs continue to be concerns. Key takeaways:

In this episode of the Advanced Manufacturing and Mobility Business Minute podcast, Raman Ram and Mike Cadenazzi discuss what lies ahead for the aerospace and defense (A&D) sector. While the war in Ukraine continues to drive innovation in the defense industry, defense spending in the US and across Europe has been restrained as countries prioritize reducing deficits accrued during the COVID-19 pandemic. On the commercial aerospace side, airlines and major network carriers are seeking to clear debt from their balance sheets in anticipation of expected increases in air travel demand. This recurring theme of fiscal prudence was also evident in the number of orders placed at Paris Air Show 2023, which came in less than industry analysts had been expecting. At the same time, the US is investing more money into its industrial base to build a new fleet of submarines, and is also making significant investments in ammunition production to support Ukraine. Will these investments open the door to more robust defense spending in the face of ongoing geopolitical uncertainty? The podcast also includes perspective from EY Americas A&D Leader Raman Ram and EY Americas A&D Managing Director Mike Cadenazzi on the readiness of the supply chain to support stronger levels of production in both the defense and commercial aerospace sectors. Key takeaways:

In this episode, EY Global Advanced Manufacturing and Mobility analysts Gaurav Batra and Menaka Samant share insights from the 2023 EY Mobility Consumer Index. The Mobility Consumer Index (MCI) is an annual study conducted by EY Global Advanced Manufacturing and Mobility. The study reviews and assesses the latest trends and patterns in the mobility sector. The latest edition of MCI surveyed over 15,000 consumers in 20 countries. In this episode of the Advanced Manufacturing and Mobility Business Minute podcast, Gaurav Batra, EY Global Advanced Manufacturing & Mobility Analyst Leader, and Menaka Samant, EY Global Advanced Manufacturing & Mobility Analyst, explore the shifts in the mobility landscape, with a focus on EV adoption and acceptance. They discuss the broad themes that emerged from the latest edition of MCI research, identify five EV customer personas and share three no regret moves that will help move consumers toward EV adoption. Key takeaways:

In this episode of the Advanced Manufacturing and Mobility Business Minute podcast, Andrea Weinberger explains why automotive companies need a broader ESG agenda to achieve a more sustainable future. Although the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining popularity and considered as one of the crucial steps toward decarbonization, professionals believe that for transforming to a more sustainable future, automotive companies need to address wider topics. These include minimizing resource extraction and depletion, reducing waste and water usage, and promoting circular business models. To make a meaningful transformation, automotive companies need to integrate sustainability into their operating model, rather than treating it as a separate project. Making environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives a part of day-to-day operations will help simplify sustainability and make significant progress. In this episode of the Advanced Manufacturing and Mobility Business Minute podcast, Andrea Weinberger, Partner, Strategy and Transactions, Ernst & Young GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft, describes why the automotive industry should leverage a wider sustainability strategy. Key takeaways:

In this episode of the Advanced Manufacturing and Mobility Business Minute, EY leaders Raman Ram and Mike Cadenazzi discuss the impact of changes in the Aerospace & Defense (A&D) sector. The commercial aerospace sector continues to demonstrate resiliency as both global and domestic air traffic volume draws closer to 2019 levels. On the defense industry side, global spending is increasing, and a consistent set of growth drivers is emerging in the US. A&D is recovering from steep declines in airplane production and aftermarket service across the sector. That’s the good news. Increasing debt levels at airlines and a sustained reduction in business travel are concerning, however. Will business travel recover to previous levels, or is this the normal in a world where it’s easier than ever to conduct business via digital technology? In the defense sector, how will artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) transform the way armies operate and fight, and how will that impact the supply chain? The podcast also includes perspective from EY Americas A&D Leader Raman Ram and EY Americas A&D Managing Director Mike Cadenazzi on what to expect at Paris Air Show 2023. The event will likely feature updates on orders within the industry and the regions where those orders are being made. Technology and capability advancements could also offer a glimpse at what’s next in A&D. Key takeaways:

In this episode, EY Global Advanced Manufacturing and Mobility analysts Anil Valsan and Anuj Chandna discuss the EY Mobility Lens Forecaster Suite and the future of EVs. The electric vehicle (EV) sector is witnessing consistent growth despite the numerous challenges in the mobility market, brought on by frequent supply chain disruptions, consumer hesitancy and inflationary pressures, among others. But what is the future for EVs and EV adoption? The EY Advanced Manufacturing and Mobility team has developed a dynamic forecasting model that will support the mobility industry in decision-making process, product planning, partnerships and market-entry strategy. The EY Mobility Lens Forecaster Suite is a neural net-based model powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that takes various metrics into consideration, such as geopolitical events, supply chain crises, charging infrastructure rollout and others. It enables the model to refresh regularly and provide accurate forecasts as per the evolving market. In this episode of the EY Advanced Manufacturing and Mobility Business Minute podcast, Anil Valsan, EY Global Automotive & Transportation Lead Analyst, and Anuj Chandna, EY Global Advanced Manufacturing and Mobility Analyst, explore the future of EV adoption, with the insights generated with the EY Mobility Lens Forecaster Suite. Key takeaways:

In this episode, EY Global Advanced Manufacturing and Mobility analysts Gaurav Batra and Anuj Chandna share insights from the latest EY Electric Vehicle Country Readiness Index. The EY EV Country Readiness Index assessed each country’s capabilities and progress concerning the transition to an electric vehicle (EV) future. These 14 countries were then ranked based on how they scored in the supply, demand and regulatory parameters. China’s high number of lithium gigafactories, reliable access to raw materials and a developed public charging infrastructure were some of the factors for ranking first in the Index. Interestingly, Norway ranked second. Its regulatory environment — which saw Norway having the highest EV penetration, with 72% of the cars sold in 2021 being EVs — was key for its high ranking. The US ranked seventh and it is only now beginning to see a shift toward electrification with the newly proposed government regulatory actions. For countries to support this EV transition, governments will need to promote policies that increase investor confidence and prepare for long-term success. Continued R&D support for battery technology and production will be critical, along with securing access to raw materials. In a growing and evolving EV ecosystem, consistency will be fundamental. Key takeaways:

In this episode, Claudio Knizek, EY-Parthenon Global Advanced Manufacturing & Mobility Consulting Leader, discusses why businesses are decoupling existing supply chains and repositioning production facilities. Due to a concurrence of large-scale global events, geopolitical issues and wage inflation in lower-cost countries, industrial companies are restructuring their traditional supply chains. According to the EY Industrial Supply Chain Survey, most firms are strategizing and implementing supply chain transformations, including decoupling their existing supply chains, and repositioning production facilities and suppliers closer to their customers. While reimagining their supply chains, industrial leaders must integrate agility into their supply chain footprint and supplier network. They must also utilize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to make their supply chains more sustainable. The widespread nearshoring of business operations and new regulatory measures, such as the EU’s carbon border tax, suggests that these transformations may alter the established global supply chain models. Consequently, these initiatives will yield clear winners and losers in the market. Key takeaways:

In this episode, EY Global Advanced Manufacturing and Mobility analysts Gaurav Batra and Akshi Goel share insights from the 2022 EY Mobility Lens Consumer Index. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming consumer behaviors toward travel and modal choices have been shaping the outlook of the mobility industry. As businesses continue to adopt hybrid working models, some of the shifts in mobility patterns are no longer temporary. In fact, both the work and nonwork journeys have declined by 11% and 8% respectively from the pre-pandemic levels. Furthermore, consumer confidence in electric vehicle technology is increasing. Nearly 52% of the consumers who intend to buy a car in the next 24 months prefer either a fully electric, plug-in hybrid or a hybrid vehicle. This growing shift is a result of many factors, including rising gas prices and environmental concerns. The 2022 EY Mobility Lens Consumer Index explores in detail how such consumer attitudes may impact the advanced manufacturing and mobility industry in the long term. Key takeaways:

In this episode, EY leaders Kevin Muskat and Darcy Cowell, Toyota Social Innovation Senior Manager Corey Clark, and VP and General Counsel of Interstate Batteries Kelvin Sellers discuss DE&I. Diversity, equity and inclusion are more than just buzzwords. A diverse, equitable and inclusive workspace fosters improved capabilities and higher growth rates. One of the first steps to attaining an inclusive space is to hold ourselves accountable. Businesses should rethink their talent sourcing strategy and take necessary steps to leverage the potential of DE&I. A diverse workforce encourages innovation, enhances decision-making and maximizes business potential. Organizations that understand inclusion, equity and diversity as a business imperative can benefit from it and strengthen their performance. Key takeaways:

In this episode, EY Global Advanced Manufacturing & Mobility Analyst Avinash Sagar shares key updates from the third quarter earnings calls of 43 mobility sector companies. After a turbulent year, the global automotive sector is showing positive signs of recovery. However, amid a surge in demand, the automotive original equipment manufacturers are still facing challenges to meet the orders due to various market forces. Factors, such as demand patterns, value chain breakdown, consumption behavior, operating costs and new entrants, are forcing automotive companies to rethink their business strategies and restructure their operations. To maintain a competitive advantage over their peers, the mobility companies are acquiring companies operating in areas, such as battery cell manufacturing, vehicle-to-everything software and autonomous driving. Although impacted by supply chain disruptions and raw material shortages, the mobility industry remains confident of leading recovery in the coming months. The automotive companies are optimistic that proactive measures, such as product design and innovation, and business restructuring, can help them achieve their long-term business goals. Key takeaways:

In this episode, EY global analysts Mohit Ahuja and Julia Rosenthal share highlights from 3Q21 earnings calls of 31 advanced manufacturing companies. In the resurgence of the advanced manufacturing sector, sustainability, transparency and resiliency have become dominant themes. Companies are centering their future initiatives around these three pillars and aligning their current business operations with them. Furthermore, companies plan to undertake several measures to capture market share in emerging areas, such as electric and autonomous mobility, infrastructure decarbonization, sustainable buildings, and renewable energy. In 3Q21, manufacturing companies dealt with soaring operating costs, uneven demand patterns and severe value chain breakdowns, and in response, they carried out the reinvention of their supply chains. They also took measures to restructure their business, capital strategy and competitive positioning. As the manufacturing sector continues to recover, it is optimistic that the operating costs will stabilize. Consequently, companies expect that their margins will increase. They are confident that the supply chain disruptions will subside once the effects of a more visible supply chain start to kick in. Key takeaways:

In this episode, EY global analysts Julia Rosenthal and Mohit Ahuja share their insights on the top themes discussed by leaders during the 2Q21 public earnings calls. 2020 was a tumultuous year for all sectors globally, including the advanced manufacturing sector. Supply chain disruptions, raw material shortages and forced shutdowns caused a significant dip in production levels. However, it seems that one of the hardest-hit sectors, advanced manufacturing, is on the road to recovery, though the pace of recovery is likely to be uneven. Most manufacturers are confident of the recovery in end markets and are providing positive outlooks for the remainder of 2021. The recovery will be primarily driven by the mass-scale vaccination programs, higher uptake of services, and partnerships and acquisitions. However, manufacturers will need to work on future-proofing their businesses by strengthening supply chains and reviewing risk mitigation strategies. Key takeaways:

In this episode, EY Global Advanced Manufacturing & Mobility analysts Avinash Sagar and Akshi Goel share their insights on some interesting findings from the 2Q21 public earnings calls. The mobility sector has been among the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the picture is improving. Pent-up demand is driving growth in the automotive sector, with considerable growth recorded in the US and Asia-Pacific. This demand will continue to dominate in the next quarter. In an exciting shift arising from the pandemic, consumers are turning toward sustainability — and they expect mobility players to expand their offerings in the electric vehicle (EV) segment. Automakers are also driving innovation with a commitment to sustainability across the value chain. This trend is likely to continue for the next few months. Key takeaways:

In this episode, Gaurav Batra, EY Global Advanced Manufacturing & Mobility Analyst Leader, discusses the findings of the latest EY Mobility Consumer Index (MCI) wave 2 research. Almost 41% of those looking to buy a car are considering buying an electric vehicle (EV). The EV sales boom is a part of a wider resurgence in car buying. Catalyzed by nonwork-related journeys and coupled with concerns over the safety of public transport, cars are considered a safer and more convenient choice for travel even as the pandemic risk declines in many countries. Though the prospect of an EV sales boom is good news, overcoming concerns over the cost and performance of EVs will be a challenge for automakers. Key takeaways:

In this episode, EY global analysts Julia Rosenthal and Mohit Ahuja share their insights on how manufacturers can prepare for end-market recovery. Advanced manufacturing companies are transforming themselves into future-ready enterprises. Organizations are making sustainability a core part of their business strategy as they now recognize the opportunity for tremendous value creation through sustainable offerings. Companies are also adopting digital measures to safeguard business continuity. However, while demand in key regions and end markets continues to recover, supply chain disruptions and rising raw material prices are eroding margins. And although accelerated digitalization is likely to provide resiliency in operations, companies are actively looking to create long-term value by capturing new sources of revenue. Key takeaways:

In this episode, Akshi Goel, EY Global Advanced Manufacturing & Mobility Analyst, explores the top market forces and provides a perspective on shifts in the mobility sector. The global automotive sector is witnessing mixed recovery in 2021. Some markets are gaining traction, while others reflect demand pressures due to partial or complete lockdowns during the pandemic. While the US is showing strong demand rebounds as vaccination rollouts continue, Europe is expected to witness growth in the second half of 2021, following widespread vaccinations. Manufacturing is likely to remain stressed through 2021 owing to increased volatility and disruptions in the lower tiers of the supply chain. Therefore, for mobility companies looking to stay ahead of the curve, the best course of action is to stay responsive to changes and futureproof their existing supply chain strategies. Key takeaways:

In this episode, Akshi Goel, EY Global Advanced Manufacturing & Mobility Analyst, shares her insights on the top themes discussed by mobility leaders during the 4Q20 public earnings calls. The mobility industry continues to witness recovery in consumer demand as the pandemic acted as a catalyst for shifts in consumption patterns toward e-commerce and sustainability. However, demand recovery across sectors could further intensify raw material shortages. And, while the mobility sector did manage challenges posed by the pandemic through agility in decision-making, resiliency in operations, accelerated digitization and leaner cost structure, companies still need to prepare for rising uncertainty associated with geopolitical risks. Key takeaways:

In this episode, EY global analysts Julie Rosenthal and Mohit Ahuja share their insights on shifts in the advanced manufacturing landscape. During the 4Q20 quarterly public earnings calls, leaders of advanced manufacturing (AM) companies discussed some of the poignant changes occurring in the industry. One very prominent theme that stood out in these discussions was digital transformation in manufacturing and how COVID-19 had accelerated its adoption in the industry. The arrival of the digital era shaped decisions made by aerospace and defense (A&D), industrial products (IP) and chemical companies during 4Q20. Key takeaways: