Looking at the previous year along with the current one, an idea of how politics will play a role in the automotive industry presents itself.
Moving from 2020 to 2021 has brought us a new presidential administration with a completely different set of priorities for the country. Along with this change, we’re still in the midst of a global pandemic that is taking many lives every day.
EVs are Already Gaining Ground
We’ve discussed the fact that President Biden has already signed an executive order to have the entire government fleet replaced with electric vehicles. This could be a huge boom for jobs in the country and offer the auto industry a bump in this segment. We’re going to need a stronger infrastructure of EV charging stations and a variety of electric models to get the job done.
Batteries Make a Difference
The batteries being used for the EVs we’ll see being used for the government and for the public must get better. The goal is to have batteries that can last longer, charge faster, and still deliver a reliable ride. This will be one of the most competitive aspects of the movement toward more electric vehicles being used and may require some political guidance for the automotive industry.
The Automotive Industry Works Differently
One area where we won’t need as much government intervention is how we work. Thanks to the pandemic, we have learned that more jobs can be done from home than ever before. Companies turned to online processes and tools to using team software from home.
This is true in the auto industry as well as other industries around the world. Of course, we will need plants to operate to produce the vehicles that will be used, but some of the work before going to production can be done at home.
Politics Will Be Involved in the Supply Chain
For every industry, not just the automotive world, the supply chain of materials and products is an extremely important one. This means we have to foster positive relationships with other countries, including China, to ensure beneficial production processes. Additionally, the new administration has already set an expectation of creating more components for vehicles in the US.
Regulation is Needed for Autonomous Vehicles
The automotive industry will absolutely require political regulation to safely move autonomous vehicle development forward. Right now, self-driving cars are being tested in many areas but they aren’t offered for public use, except for some ride-hailing services. The guidance offered and regulation needed from political leaders will be paramount in ensuring continued testing in a safe manner.
Watch for Political Guidance for the Automotive Industry
As we move forward with new leadership in Washington, D.C., and we see technology improve and develop to bring us cleaner, safer, and self-driving vehicles, expect to see more regulations and political intervention.
Hopefully, the political leaders will make decisions that benefit the industry and the public to strengthen our country and help bring us out of the pandemic we’re currently faced with.
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