Cavendish Professionals’ Anastasios Visvikis recently hosted a panel discussion on the impact of AI in the automotive industry, joined by Sakis Tassoudis, CEO of OneDealer, Ahmed Abu Tabl, Engineering Director at Forvia Hella, and Gustav Lindberg Hagberg, Head of Customer Master Data Management and Head of Commercial AI and Data Foundation at Scania Group. The conversation explored how AI is driving innovation, improving safety, and shaping market trends, with the global automotive AI market expected to reach $35.71 billion by 2033.
Innovation and Evolution of the Industry
Anastasios opened the discussion by emphasising AI’s growing role in autonomous driving systems, predictive maintenance, and software-defined vehicles. Gustav expanded on this by highlighting the shift towards software-defined vehicles, where AI plays a vital role in enabling smart services and customer-facing applications. Ahmed added that AI is delivering major efficiency gains in production, particularly through digital twins, digital teams, and R&D cycles. Finally, Sakis underscored the improvements in assembly line performance and the importance of AI in advancing autonomous driving and vehicle-to-any connectivity.
Safety, Accident Prevention and Predictive Technologies
Anastasios began the discussion by highlighting the importance of vehicle and road safety as AI continues to shape automotive innovation. Sakis followed with insights into the current use of predictive analytics in accident prevention, as well as AI’s impact on optimising assembly lines and R&D cycles. Gustav focused on the role of AI-driven safety systems already present in vehicles, such as lane assist, automatic braking, and distance measuring, which are particularly valuable in enhancing heavy vehicle safety. Ahmed stressed the ethical responsibility of balancing innovation with safety, alongside the need for transparent communication with customers about AI’s limitations. Anastasios closed the section by highlighting the importance of educating future generations about AI and autonomous driving.
Market Insights, Investment Trends and Customer Expectations
Anastasios began by pointing to the growth of the automotive AI market and the increasing importance of personalisation and connectivity. Sakis discussed regional differences in adoption, with China emerging as a leader in both electric vehicles and autonomous driving.
Gustav highlighted how personalisation and software features are shaping customer expectations, driven by demand for tailored user experiences. Ahmed added that new business models are likely to emerge as autonomy transforms traditional car ownership. Closing the topic, Anastasios asked about Europe’s position in this space, with Sakis emphasising the need for regulatory reform, technological investment, and transdisciplinary collaboration for the EU to catch up with China.
Insurance and Energy Consumption
In response to an audience question about insurance, Anastasios opened the discussion by exploring AI’s role in accident liability. Ahmed highlighted the responsibilities of car owners in accidents involving autonomous vehicles, while Gustav pointed out the absence of clear regulations on ethical frameworks and crash decision-making.
Shifting to energy, Anastasios raised concerns about the impact of AI on energy consumption. Ahmed cautioned that AI requires significant energy resources and called for realistic regulatory frameworks. Sakis emphasised investment in green energy solutions as vital for meeting EU goals, while Gustav suggested addressing the challenge by distributing server farms and investing in renewable energy sources.
Key Takeaways & Actions
- Investigate ways to achieve faster, safer over-the-air software updates for vehicles using AI.
- Develop clear communication strategies to educate customers on the capabilities and limitations of AI-powered safety features.
- Advocate for the inclusion of AI and automation education in driving curriculum to prepare new drivers.
- Explore opportunities for AI-driven personalization and sustainability in automotive design and manufacturing.
Final Thoughts
Anastasios concluded the panel by summarising key insights and thanking the speakers for their contributions. Sakis closed with a reminder that the automotive industry must remain committed to continuous development and innovation to stay relevant. The panelists agreed that AI will remain central to advancing innovation, safety, and customer experience in the automotive sector, and ended the discussion with a shared commitment to ongoing collaboration and exploration of AI’s impact on the industry.
