Automotive News launches new podcast series "Futurismo"

DETROIT, Aug. 19, 2016 -- Automotive News, the leading business publication serving the auto industry, has announced the launch of "Futurismo," a new podcast series which ponders the next 25 years in the auto industry.

According to Automotive News producer and interactive reporter Shiraz Ahmed, "Futurismo" will combine "the trademark insight of Automotive News with the fun, free-flowing narrative format of audio journalism. Each season, we'll look at a specific trend or technology that exists in some form today, and imagine how it might evolve in the not-too-distant future to reshape how we think about transportation and cars."

This season, "Futurismo" has been taking a deep look at how car-sharing, ride-sharing, and other mobility services might affect the auto industry. Ahmed points to the recent news from Ford Motor Co. as one example of change coming to the industry that listeners will learn about on the podcast.

"Ford is going to be mass-producing vehicles with full autonomy in five years," CEO Mark Fields said at an event in Silicon Valley, at the heart of the auto-tech boom. He announced plans to introduce an autonomous vehicle by 2021 for use in a ride-hailing or ride-sharing service.

"There's going to be no steering wheel, there's not going to be a gas pedal, there's not going to be a brake pedal and of course a driver is not going to be required," Fields said.

How will Ford get to that self-driving fleet of tomorrow? In Ep. 3 of "Futurismo," we take a test drive in one of Ford's shuttle vans optimized for mobility, talk to experts about the gold rush to pick up mobility startups, and see how these companies and carmakers can collaborate in the coming third age of car-sharing.

Ahmed said that "Futurismo" will ask the broad questions of mobility. "We've met folks in far-flung places committed to living without the burden and convenience of car ownership, CEO's and founders of start-ups trying to disrupt the auto industry, and, in upcoming episodes, auto dealers, car designers and more," he said.

Listen to Ep. 3 by clicking here and click here to learn how to subscribe to "Futurismo" over your regular podcast app.

Since 1925, Automotive News has been the primary source for news happening among automotive retailers, suppliers and manufacturers. Distinct from other publications in the field, Automotive News remains a fully subscriber-paid publication, a testament to the value it delivers to the reader. The award-winning weekly print edition, robust website, email newsletters and video broadcasts are backed by a global team of more than 65 editors and reporters.

CONTACT:

Ellen Dennehy
313-446-6039 (o)
313-212-1787 (c)
edennehy@autonews.com

Shiraz Ahmed
313.446.0362
sahmed@crain.com

SOURCE Automotive News