The biggest changes the auto industry has seen since its inception over 100 years ago are upon us.

Our automotive team at Marx Layne has navigated the ups and downs of the industry for nearly four decades. We are living through an exciting, transitional time for the industry, and we’re glad to see it’s moving in the right direction. The question is, what exactly does the future hold?

Will we keep driving ICE vehicles? Are hydrogen powered vehicles part of the answer? When will we see mass adoption of electric vehicles? Or will we embrace a new and improved generation of hybrid vehicles?

In terms of cars and trucks for consumers, EVs are the focus, with dozens of new models being unveiled every year. On the fleet side, decarbonization is a big topic, and hydrogen fuel cells are increasingly being eyed as a more practical option for heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks and buses. Additionally, brands such as Toyota are working on major improvements to battery ranges for its hybrid and electric vehicles. All of these advances are happening at once, and it will be a race to see which ones take hold and dominate the market as the U.S. and the world work toward cleaner vehicle technology and decarbonization.

Globally, EVs are being embraced aggressively, China looking to phase out gas-burning cars by 2035, and countries like Norway already have an 80 percent EV sales rate.

Also to consider is what impact will these changes have on the manufacturing world? If EVs are indeed the future, some experts are predicting tens of thousands of jobs disappearing across the industry — as manufacturing EVs requires fewer workers than traditional ICE vehicles. Yet at the same time, there may also be opportunities for workers willing to learn new skills and transition to new roles.

Whatever anyone’s opinion may be on the specifics of EVs or other new technology, change is coming and it’s already here. According to the EPA, emissions from transportation account for 29 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making it the largest overall contributor. Efforts to decrease those numbers are going to proceed — whether that be through heavy adoption of EVs,

an increase in hydrogen-fueled vehicles, mass decarbonization of fleet vehicles, or simply developing more eco-friendly hybrid vehicles. This is the reality we’re facing as the industry reaches this important crossroads, and the truth is all automakers — including the Detroit Three of Ford, GM and Stellantis — will have to evolve or risk losing their place in the auto industry in the years to come.

About Marx Layne & Company’s Automotive Team
For more than 36 years, Marx Layne & Company’s automotive team has provided outstanding, results-oriented communications counsel to clients in the automotive industry, from OEMs to suppliers and affiliated industries. Its proven ability to design and launch successful public relations campaigns, develop creative communications solutions and exceed client expectations has earned the agency a reputation as a valued partner and an industry leader. For more information, visit https://marxlayne.com/industry-areas/automotive/