17th Annual Propulsion Strategies for the 21st Century: Now What?

Focus on the Future
Automotive Research Conferences

17th Annual Propulsion Strategies for the 21st Century: Now What? Manufacturer and Supplier Propulsion Strategies

July 16, 2025

9am to 12:30pm

University of Michigan North Campus Research Complex,

2800 Plymouth Rd. Bldg. 18, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

This conference will be hybrid with options

to attend in person or to view via a YouTube livestream.

In many ways, our 17th Annual Propulsion Strategies for the 21st Century Hybrid Conference on July 16th at the University of Michigan is a continuation of the discussion we had at our last conference in April about the effects of the new administration on the US auto industry conference. For our July conference we're looking for insights about how companies are managing their powertrain offerings based on the leveling off of EV sales, increases in hybrid sales, the potential changes to EPA/NHTSA emissions and fuel economy regulations, and the effects of tariffs on powertrain decisions. We may have better clarity about all these topics by July, but then again, we may not. Either way, companies have to make decisions, and we think hearing from some of the key players will continue the discussion of how companies (and consumers) will manage over the next couple of years and even over the next 5-10 years.

We’ll discuss many key issues facing auto manufacturers and suppliers as they face what looks to be significantly relaxed emissions and fuel economy regulations. With the proposed new regulations as the background, our questions will include:

• How do manufacturers and suppliers see the distribution of propulsion systems changing, if at all, over the next 5 years?

• How are tariffs affecting propulsion systems for both manufacturers and suppliers?

• How much power do manufacturers have over consumer choice of propulsion systems?

• How will reductions in CAFE fuel economy and EPA emissions regulations affect auto company strategies over the next five years?

• Will manufacturers abandon EV development if they are no longer needed to meet government regulations?

• Will the new administration continue the goal of making the US less dependent on rare earth materials that are used for semi-conductors and EV batteries, motors, and inverters?

• How will different EV battery chemistries evolve over the next five years?

Confirmed Speakers include:

Bruce Belzowski, Managing Director, Automotive Futures, will moderate the conference and provide an overview of the recent trends in propulsion strategies.

Dan Ronayne, Vice President-Powertrain, Denso, will talk about his company’s vision for “building the bridge from ICE to EVs.” As one of the leading global powertrain suppliers, we look forward to hearing Dan’s thoughts on his company’s strategy over the next 5-10 years.

Eric Anderson, Associate Director – Americas Light Vehicle Powertrain Forecasting, S&P Global Mobilitywill discuss how his group sees powertrains in the US and globally adjusting to the new US administration’s policies while at the same time meeting the needs of consumers across different regions of the world.

Alan Taub, Director of the University of Michigan Electric Vehicle Center, will provide his insights into how his new program at the UM will bring together battery and manufacturing expertise as well as expertise across the UM in sustainable systems, workforce development, power electronics, and system integration to focus on EV research, education, and collaboration.

We are also inviting suppliers and manufacturers and suppliers to present their current views on future powertrains.

Meet the Speakers

If you have an interest in meeting with any of our speakers, we will facilitate the connection. Just let us know your interest.

Registration

Automotive Futures Affiliates and UM Students, Faculty, and Staff, and Media: FREE

For all others: $200 (unchanged since 2008)

Register at: automotivefutures.org

Conference Sponsorship

Companies or groups interested in sponsoring this conference, please contact Bruce Belzowski at bbl@umich.edu or 734-255-6274.

Propulsion Strategies for the 21st Century Conference

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