Drivetime

This bonus episode of Drivetime — MOVE Monday — features Sven Eckoldt, Head of Global Partnerships at CARIAD, the software company behind the Volkswagen Group's software-defined vehicle strategy. Sven explains how CARIAD is helping transform some of the world's best-known automotive brands by centralising software development across the group. From intelligent navigation and AI-powered voice assistants to app stores and connected services, he shares how software is becoming as important as hardware in defining the ownership experience.

The conversation explores what software-defined vehicles actually mean for drivers, why connected cars are creating entirely new partnership opportunities, and how automotive brands can create experiences that continue to evolve long after the vehicle leaves the showroom. Sven also discusses the growing role of AI, over-the-air updates, and the challenge of building customer-centric digital ecosystems inside the vehicle. Looking ahead, he shares lessons learned from launching connected services across multiple brands, explains why partnership ecosystems are critical to future vehicle experiences, and offers a glimpse into how cars are becoming personalised digital platforms that can grow throughout their lifetime.

Drivetime is the global auto tech podcast powered by Keyloop.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This special MOVE Monday episode of Drivetime features Matt Walters and Amélie De Valroger from Arval, the world's largest fleet leasing provider. They discuss the evolving role of fleet management, the challenges of electrification, and why the future of mobility will be built on data, insight and automation. With Arval managing more than 3 million vehicles globally, Matt and Amélie share their perspective on helping businesses navigate an increasingly complex landscape. From fleet electrification and total cost of ownership to connected vehicles and software-defined mobility, they explain why today's fleet leaders need long-term strategies ratherthan short-term vehicle decisions.

The conversation explores one of the event's biggest themes: connected vehicle data. Both guests argue that collecting data is no longer enough. The real opportunity lies in turning information into actionable insight and ultimately automating decisions that improve efficiency, reduce costs and simplify fleet operations. They also discuss the second wave of EV adoption, the difficulties of electrifying commercial vehicles, the role of AI in fleet management, and why advances in battery technology could unlock the next stage of the electric transition.

Drivetime is the global auto tech podcast powered by Keyloop.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this gear change episode of Drivetime, Jacqui is joined once again by legal experts Peter Jaari and Mikko Koskinen from Lexia Attorneys to explore the practical realities of consumer law and AI regulation in automotive retail. Peter shares advice for retailers selling used vehicles, highlighting the importance of transparency, managing customer expectations, and responding quickly when issues arise. Good customer service, he argues, can prevent small complaints from becoming major disputes.

Mikko demystifies the EU AI Act, explaining the difference between high-risk and low-risk AI systems, and why organisations must maintain human oversight in areas such as recruitment and credit assessments. The discussion also tackles common misconceptions around AI and consumer protection, before turning to a topic both guests believe will remain critical in the future: human connection. As technology continues to evolve, trust, relationships and personal service may become the biggest differentiators of all.

Drivetime is the global auto tech podcast powered by Keyloop.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This bonus episode of Drivetime — MOVE Monday — features Avinash Balachandran, VP of Human Interactive Driving at the Toyota Research Institute, discussing what comes next for autonomy and why the future may be less about replacing drivers and more about empowering them.
Drawing on more than a decade in autonomous vehicles, including time spent working on early self-driving programmes, Avinash shares how Toyota is rethinking the relationship between humans and intelligent machines. Rather than focusing solely on fully autonomous vehicles, the company is exploring how AI can work alongside drivers, helping them become safer, more confident and more capable behind the wheel.

The conversation explores Toyota's philosophy of human-centred automation, where technology is designed to amplify rather than replace people. From helping teenagers become better drivers to supporting motorists in difficult conditions such as ice and heavy rain, Avinash explains how AI could deliver the benefits of autonomy without taking humans out of the equation. The discussion also looks beyond vehicles into robotics, micro-mobility and physical AI, examining why the future is likely to involve humans and machines working together rather than competing for the same role.

Drivetime is the global auto tech podcast powered by Keyloop.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This bonus episode of Drivetime — MOVE Monday — features Alysia Johnson, President of the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), and Ian Televik, Senior Marketing Director at the organisation. They discuss the role global standards play in making connected vehicle technology simpler, safer and more scalable. The conversation focuses on CCC Digital Key, a technology standard that allows drivers to access and start vehicles using a smartphone. Alysia and Ian explain why collaboration between automakers, device manufacturers, technology companies and suppliers is essential if connected vehicle experiences are going to work seamlessly across brands, devices and markets.

They also explore the growing opportunities for fleets, car rental operators and shared mobility providers, where digital keys can transform everything from vehicle handovers to customer journeys. With more than 300 member companies and millions of vehicles already deployed, CCC is helping create a future where digital vehicle access becomes as familiar and trusted as mobile payments. The discussion looks beyond passenger vehicles too, covering software-defined fleets, micromobility, two-wheelers and the broader challenge of creating technology that simply works, regardless of the vehicle, device or location.

Drivetime is the global auto tech podcast powered by Keyloop.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.