Omari Gardner Director of Content and Commentary, overseeing coverage of Toyota, Lexus, Volkswagen, Audi, Jaguar Land Rover and regulatory issues [email protected] 313-446-0438 See All Staff Page Recent Stories Column: Don't fight DE&I naysayers, focus on building alliances It's easy to fall into the trap of arguing with DE&I naysayers. However, a recent summit by the Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion & Advancement is a refreshing reminder that there are many allies within the industry, and they deserve the attention and energy. How Lexus' tech partner Mirriad reaches multicultural customers in new ways Mirriad's virtual product placement technology is helping Lexus reach multicultural consumers in the U.S. via digital channels. Column: Stress test for the EV transition As the auto industry takes its biggest risk in the era of mass production — the electrification transition — this week's Automotive News highlights the magnitude of the bets being made. Column: Pondering what diversity brings to our industry This week's issue has stories that are intended to inspire and provoke thought about diversity, equity and inclusion in the auto business. Hyundai and its first Black agency connect to customers with positivity Hyundai enlists the help of its first Black marketing agency, Culture Brands, to connect with Black consumers through authentic, uplifting campaigns. End of the road for Cal Worthington stores The family of car dealer Cal Worthington, one of automotive retail's most famous pitchmen, has sold the last dealership bearing his name. Column: For the want of a reliable EV charger EV detractors are often quick to point out perceived faults: they are too expensive, don't have enough range, not really all that 'green' and they're a hassle to charge. It's hard to argue against that final point. Column: Akio Toyoda's vision of retrofitted EVs is noble, but flawed Akio Toyoda's vision of retrofitting vehicles with EV and hydrogen powertrains to reduce the automotive fleet's carbon footprint is noble, but a difficult business proposition. The latest numbers on the microchip shortage: 2.7M vehicle cuts forecast for 2023 For 2023, AutoForecast Solutions estimates more than 2.7 million vehicles will be cut from productions schedules because of the global semiconductior shortage. Why rental car giant Enterprise is striving for EV charging access for all Rental car giant Enterprise Holdings is working to ensure the public charging network is accessible to all, co-developing a playbook with the National League of Cities and deeply studying three cities. Column: In defense of picking Joe Manchin, Elon Musk as Automotive News All-Stars Manchin and Musk have generated their share of controversy, and they won't win any popularity contests in some circles, but there is no denying that the impact each has had on the industry this year has been outsized. New NAMAD President Hugene Fields brings outsider's perspective to auto retail Hugene Fields, who has extensive nonprofit experience, takes his first foray in the automotive world as the new president of the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers. GM to extend benefits to domestic partners and their kids General Motors says it's extending its benefits program as it seeks "ways to widen opportunities for people from all backgrounds." Toyota's goal: STEM for kids regardless of backgrounds Toyota's Driving Possibilities program has committed $110 million to STEM education for school-age kids in close proximity to its facilities across the country. Column: DE&I good for the car business, and we will keep covering it We sometimes hear arguments against corporate diversity, equity and inclusion policies on grounds that they are unfair. Here is the counterargument. Load More
Omari Gardner Director of Content and Commentary, overseeing coverage of Toyota, Lexus, Volkswagen, Audi, Jaguar Land Rover and regulatory issues [email protected] 313-446-0438 See All Staff Page