This article explores how cutting-edge plasma technology is revolutionizing lightweightmanufacturing in the automotive industry. By enabling ultra-clean, high-strength bonds betweenadvanced metals, plasma treatment helps create stronger, safer and more efficient vehicles,This innovation not only boosts performance and durability but also supports sustainabilityefforts by reducing emissions and material waste. As automakers push for lighter, greenerdesigns, plasma emerges as a powerful force shaping the future of mobility

CIBC Auto Finance’s big move to third from sixth place in J.D. Power’s 2025 Canada Dealer Financing Satisfaction Study, released May 6, did not happen by accident.Invaluable feedback from dealers coupled with the bank’s drive for continuous improvement vaulted CIBC Auto Finance past entrenched competitors within the non-captive prime-lending category, despite it being a relative newcomer to the market.

As the automotive industry rethinks retail operations, Bill Berman, CEO of Pinewood Technologies Group, shares why integrated AI—built directly into Pinewood’s cloud-native platform—is set to reshape dealership efficiency and the customer experience. In this episode of In the Driver’s Seat, Berman outlines why intuitive technology, data transparency, and scalability are the new cornerstones of digital retailing.

The automotive industry still lags behind other sectors in using customer data to enhance experiences, despite recognizing its value. Challenges stem not from unwillingness but from outdated, disconnected technology systems that prevent a unified customer view. Automotive retailers struggle to link sales, service and customer history. In this article, Pinewood.AI’s Global Chief Marketing Officer, Kim Costello, discusses how enabling better data connection across dealerships and OEMs can unlock greater customer value.

Smart dealerships are leveraging complimentary F&I offerings like limited warranties as gateways to valuable upsells. This strategy creates 360 degrees of value – boosting dealer profitability while extending relationships. Packaged limited warranty programs present value to the customer, in some cases, preserving the value of the car and increasing customer satisfaction. When presented transparently as solutions to real-life challenges rather than high-pressure add-ons, these products build trust while significantly enhancing dealership revenue and customer retention.

Obtaining a car loan at a dealership often is a complicated and time-consuming process that frustrates customers. Dealers also face a gauntlet of lending pain points. Moreover, traditional credit-risk assessments often prevent many customers from getting loans, which limits sales potential.

The ability to accelerate solutions is more important than ever in today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving automotive Industry. To help our customers achieve this, DuPont offers in-house advanced engineering capabilities that help facilitate application development and concept validation in support of the development of novel adhesive solutions for automotive EV batteries and vehicle body structures.

IAA MOBILITY 2025 aims to be more than just an exhibition — it is a global platform for the future of mobility. With strong participation from companies all over the world, discussions on international policies, and groundbreaking mobility solutions, it will help shape the future of mobility worldwide. What the organizer is planning, you find here in this interview with VDA President Hildegard Mueller on IAA MOBILITY 2025.