"Honda Took Pride in Doing Everything Itself. The Cost of Technology Made That Impossible". Edward Niedermeyer and Bertel Schmitt join Horace and Jim.   We begin with a discussion of Honda and automotive grade linux. We shift gears a bit and consider transport as a service around the globe.  We contrast emerging app brands with the traditional auto eco-system and ponder a "meaningful contribution" from Apple. Apologies for intermittent audio issues during our around the globe conversation.

"Honda Took Pride in Doing Everything Itself. The Cost of Technology Made That Impossible". Edward Niedermeyer and Bertel Schmitt join Horace and Jim. We begin with a discussion of Honda and automotive grade linux. We shift gears a bit and consider transport as a service around the globe. We contrast emerging app brands with the traditional auto eco-system and ponder a "meaningful contribution" from Apple. Apologies for intermittent audio issues during our around the globe conversation.

45: Asymcar 45: The Cost of Technology Made That Impossible

Bertel Schmitt

Auto industry "propagandist" and now journalist Bertel Schmitt joins us for a conversation on Tesla, disruption, entry level cars, Japan and the looming manufacturing tour.

Auto industry "propagandist" and now journalist Bertel Schmitt joins us for a conversation on Tesla, disruption, entry level cars, Japan and the looming manufacturing tour.

44: The view from Tokyo with Bertel Schmitt

Tarun Kajeepeta joins us to discuss Condor Mobility, his subscription model startup and the mobility market. Horace, Tarun and Jim dive into auto-ecosystem complexity, customer experiences, on boarding, channels, bundling and market opportunities.

Tarun Kajeepeta joins us to discuss Condor Mobility, his subscription model startup and the mobility market. Horace, Tarun and Jim dive into auto-ecosystem complexity, customer experiences, on boarding, channels, bundling and market opportunities.

43: Car Subscriptions with Tarun @CondorDetroit

We consider the news that BMW's i3 will revert to metal in its next iteration.  A question of business models engages much of our conversation, from optimized cars designed for transportation as a service to dynamic routes, pricing and arrival options.   Dyson's rumored auto ambitions divert our attention.  We close by musing on the utility of big data and the evolution of transportation.

We consider the news that BMW's i3 will revert to metal in its next iteration. A question of business models engages much of our conversation, from optimized cars designed for transportation as a service to dynamic routes, pricing and arrival options. Dyson's rumored auto ambitions divert our attention. We close by musing on the utility of big data and the evolution of transportation.

42: The Empire Strikes Back

Does the automotive supply chain drive strategy?  What are the new product implications of legacy supply chains?  Are organizations bound to supply chain practices?   Does Toyota's supply chain structure give them a market advantage? Why does the Fiat 500's CarPlay work well, but a Chrysler Minivan not at all?

Does the automotive supply chain drive strategy? What are the new product implications of legacy supply chains? Are organizations bound to supply chain practices? Does Toyota's supply chain structure give them a market advantage? Why does the Fiat 500's CarPlay work well, but a Chrysler Minivan not at all?

40: Supply Chain Sovereign

Steve Anderson joins us for a deep dive into the two wheel (powered) world. We discuss the cultural, safety, legal and engineering aspects of motorcycles and their smaller cousins. A reflection on the Segway closes our conversation

Steve Anderson joins us for a deep dive into the two wheel (powered) world. We discuss the cultural, safety, legal and engineering aspects of motorcycles and their smaller cousins. A reflection on the Segway closes our conversation

39: Episode 39

Would you buy this car? We begin with a discussion of recent announcements and deal making.  Horace questions our four wheel obsession and wonders if the next platform origin might surprise us. The Economist recently asserted that data is the new oil. We consider this statement in light of recent consortiums, from automotive linux to maps and data sharing schemes. We note Asymcar's fourth anniversary and reflect a bit on earlier shows, including Richard Marks Eco-V (Asymcar 8) and David Levinson (Asymcar 7).

Would you buy this car? We begin with a discussion of recent announcements and deal making. Horace questions our four wheel obsession and wonders if the next platform origin might surprise us. The Economist recently asserted that data is the new oil. We consider this statement in light of recent consortiums, from automotive linux to maps and data sharing schemes. We note Asymcar's fourth anniversary and reflect a bit on earlier shows, including Richard Marks Eco-V (Asymcar 8) and David Levinson (Asymcar 7).

38: Four Wheel Talisman?

Does place matter? We consider geography, the hype cycle and S curves while reflecting on what is perhaps, at present a "phoney war"(1). Does geography play a role in disruption?  Are "hyped" optics necessary for the new new thing? What skills are required for disruptive innovation in and around the auto ecosystem?  How do cycle times (2) color our outlook? A good conversation.  The Phoney War. Cycle Time.

Does place matter? We consider geography, the hype cycle and S curves while reflecting on what is perhaps, at present a "phoney war"(1). Does geography play a role in disruption? Are "hyped" optics necessary for the new new thing? What skills are required for disruptive innovation in and around the auto ecosystem? How do cycle times (2) color our outlook? A good conversation. <ol> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoney_War" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Phoney War</a>.</li> <li><a href="https://www.isixsigma.com/dictionary/cycle-time/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cycle Time</a>.</li></ol>

37: Asymcar 37: Dark Matter Innovation

Cycle times loom larger in the clash of the automotive and smartphone eco-systems.  We reflect on BMW's i brand again, while the company appears to retrench and focus on their legacy facilities and cars. We divert a bit into a discussion of new vs better and the business strategy supporting such choices. Finally, financialization looms, perhaps an opening during the next downturn. the last 5 minutes disappeared into the ether.. sorry.

Cycle times loom larger in the clash of the automotive and smartphone eco-systems. We reflect on BMW's i brand again, while the company appears to retrench and focus on their legacy facilities and cars. We divert a bit into a discussion of new vs better and the business strategy supporting such choices. Finally, financialization looms, perhaps an opening during the next downturn. <h2>the last 5 minutes disappeared into the ether.. sorry.</h2>

36: New, or Better?

Can utility companies be recruited to help sell Electric Vehicles when they reward their customers for using less electricity? This plus the paradoxes of innovations in distribution, sales, regulation and the 1959/1960 Henney Kilowatt.

Can utility companies be recruited to help sell Electric Vehicles when they reward their customers for using less electricity? This plus the paradoxes of innovations in distribution, sales, regulation and the 1959/1960 Henney Kilowatt.

35: Asymcar 35: We are all Germans

Horace Dediu and Jim Zellmer discuss the politics, processes and possibilities of cars in light of: 1. Young people deferring drivers licenses.  2. The growth of car sharing.  3. Practical alternative power trains.  4. Urbanization. 5. Increased Congestion.  6. Driverless cars. 7. Rise of the "App Economy". Hosted by Horace Dediu &amp; Jim Zellmer.

Great Car Podcast with lots of Historical Knowledge

One of my top 3 favorites

Asymcar

Joe Rosmann shares his experience and perspective on our changing transportation system - "the most regulated industry we have". Joe begins with three points:  Car costs continue to grow Smartphones.  Consumers can make dynamic real time choices about the best way to go from a to b 24 hours per day, 7 days per week (see the City Mapper app). Autonomous vehicles can make lives safer and faster.  We close and reflect on Joe's assertion that "Algorithms are going to become regulatory mandated standards".

Joe Rosmann shares his experience and perspective on our changing transportation system - "the most regulated industry we have". Joe begins with three points: <ol> <li>Car costs continue to grow</li> <li>Smartphones. Consumers can make dynamic real time choices about the best way to go from a to b 24 hours per day, 7 days per week (see the City Mapper app).</li> <li>Autonomous vehicles can make lives safer and faster.</li> </ol> We close and reflect on Joe's assertion that "Algorithms are going to become regulatory mandated standards".

34: The Empire Strikes Back

Sam Abuelsamid reflects on the origins of BMW's i program, today's economics and the application of lessons learned. We veer into supply chain details and consider the path that the legacy automakers have chosen. The show closes with a discussion of Apple's entry assets, supply chain power and business model evolution.

Sam Abuelsamid reflects on the origins of BMW's i program, today's economics and the application of lessons learned. We veer into supply chain details and consider the path that the legacy automakers have chosen. The show closes with a discussion of Apple's entry assets, supply chain power and business model evolution.

33: Concept, Outcome and Pivot

Anton Wahlman joins us as we dive into numbers, production curves and the clash between reality, vision and hubris over autonomous cars Tesla's "financial equation" merits much discussion interspersed with reflections on an EV landscape littered with government subsidies. We close with accounting, including a dissertation on variable costs and the burden of "dealerless" car sales.

Anton Wahlman joins us as we dive into numbers, production curves and the clash between reality, vision and hubris over autonomous cars Tesla's "financial equation" merits much discussion interspersed with reflections on an EV landscape littered with government subsidies. We close with accounting, including a dissertation on variable costs and the burden of "dealerless" car sales.

32: Asymcar 32: Running the Numbers

We dive into the new thing.  Can a well known brand do something new?  Must the new thing stand alone?  Must it have a new name, a new distribution model? We evaluate BMW's "i" initiative from both a strategic and tactical perspective.  BMW, Ford and the other automakers have not a small number of new products and services, apart from traditional cars. Jobs to be done appears again, as Horace expresses his single pedal "serenity" in traffic. We close with a few quotes from Ford CEO Mark Fields.

We dive into the new thing. Can a well known brand do something new? Must the new thing stand alone? Must it have a new name, a new distribution model? We evaluate BMW's "i" initiative from both a strategic and tactical perspective. BMW, Ford and the other automakers have not a small number of new products and services, apart from traditional cars. Jobs to be done appears again, as Horace expresses his single pedal "serenity" in traffic. We close with a few quotes from Ford CEO Mark Fields.

31: Better to Go Slow....

We talk finance and other curiosities with Sviatoslav Rosov PhD, CFA, Analyst. Beginning with Henry Ford’s “Old Fashioned Layaway Plan” followed by the launch of General Motors Acceptance Corporation, the Certified Pre-Owned sleight of hand and today’s auto sales finance and reporting controversies all shaped the industry. Finance is one of many vectors which tie the system together into what its is. We once again explore the other vectors that might open disruptive opportunities for an entrant. Wide ranging discussion touching all the big points ultimately asking whether Big Bang change is coming. Or will it the big whimper? We once again explore vectors that might open disruptive opportunities for an entrant.

We talk finance and other curiosities with Sviatoslav Rosov PhD, CFA, Analyst. Beginning with Henry Ford’s “Old Fashioned Layaway Plan” followed by the launch of General Motors Acceptance Corporation, the Certified Pre-Owned sleight of hand and today’s auto sales finance and reporting controversies all shaped the industry. Finance is one of many vectors which tie the system together into what its is. We once again explore the other vectors that might open disruptive opportunities for an entrant. Wide ranging discussion touching all the big points ultimately asking whether Big Bang change is coming. Or will it the big whimper? We once again explore vectors that might open disruptive opportunities for an entrant.

30: Asymcar 30: The Big Bang Theory

Horace and Jim begin with the industry's rhetorical bubble.  We consider the auto eco-system's atmospherics on auto companions and quickly revert back to the reality of today's manufacturing practices and industry lead times. Horace notes the early development of steam, electric and internal combustion engine cars.  We discuss the external assets that sustained the engines we use today and what might change in the near term to support significant electric vehicle (EV) growth. We close in contemplation of Uber's purported 100,000 unit S-Class purchase.

Horace and Jim begin with the industry's rhetorical bubble. We consider the auto eco-system's atmospherics on auto companions and quickly revert back to the reality of today's manufacturing practices and industry lead times. Horace notes the early development of steam, electric and internal combustion engine cars. We discuss the external assets that sustained the engines we use today and what might change in the near term to support significant electric vehicle (EV) growth. We close in contemplation of Uber's purported 100,000 unit S-Class purchase.

29: Asymcar 29: Atmospherics

Announcements arrive with regularity. Ford and Google reveal plans to cooperate on autonomous cars.  Toyota's aims to begin "precision mapping" roads.    Ford zigs in another direction and eyes CityMapper's terrain with its proposed "Dynamic Shuttle" service. So much slideware. Horace dives into the data.   EV and hybrid cars currently represent a tiny fraction of the market.   OPEC recently forecast that by 2040, 94 percent of the vehicles on the world's roads will still be powered by fossil fuels. Bullish, Horace sees greater EV penetration, with modularity powering double digit market share. Current auto business models trade a few points of marginal cost in return for double digit marginal revenue, resulting in brand explosion. We await the Lamborghini SUV.  Asymcar.com Asymcar River of News

Announcements arrive with regularity. Ford and Google reveal plans to cooperate on autonomous cars. Toyota's aims to begin "precision mapping" roads. Ford zigs in another direction and eyes CityMapper's terrain with its proposed "Dynamic Shuttle" service. So much slideware. Horace dives into the data. EV and hybrid cars currently represent a tiny fraction of the market. OPEC recently forecast that by 2040, 94 percent of the vehicles on the world's roads will still be powered by fossil fuels. Bullish, Horace sees greater EV penetration, with modularity powering double digit market share. Current auto business models trade a few points of marginal cost in return for double digit marginal revenue, resulting in brand explosion. We await the Lamborghini SUV. <ul> <li><a href="http://www.asymcar.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Asymcar.com</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.asymcar.com/r/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Asymcar River of News</a></li></ul>

28: Episode 28: Meaningful

We consider the landscape that Apple's purported Titan project will address in a few years time. Horace discusses the pattern of disruption powered by Moore's law.  We turn to the transportation sector and consider the "reimagining" of the car.  We further consider scenarios, from sustaining where the current players grow, to new entrant opportunities. The conversation diverts a bit into the regulatory and taxation regime, specifically  US road funding is largely tied to fuel taxes.   We note the odd situation where an entry level car driver pays fuel taxes while a luxury Tesla driver does not. We speculate on Apple's possible "meaningful contribution" to transportation and the required product, customer experience, sales channel, price and financing options.

We consider the landscape that Apple's purported Titan project will address in a few years time. Horace discusses the pattern of disruption powered by Moore's law. We turn to the transportation sector and consider the "reimagining" of the car. We further consider scenarios, from sustaining where the current players grow, to new entrant opportunities. The conversation diverts a bit into the regulatory and taxation regime, specifically US road funding is largely tied to fuel taxes. We note the odd situation where an entry level car driver pays fuel taxes while a luxury Tesla driver does not. We speculate on Apple's possible "meaningful contribution" to transportation and the required product, customer experience, sales channel, price and financing options.

27: Titanic

We begin a speculative show in Berlin, where a cab driver laments “young people arriving in the city to party and sleep on couches”. Might Berlin’s youthful visitors in 2050 simply crash in their autonomous pods? Horace races forward and muses on a future filled with roving, autonomous Winnebagos. Jim notes that there have been previous attempts at such vehicles, particularly with 1960’s and 1970’s era vans. Big data and algorithms run interference. Will autonomous pod players be naturally limited to those who can create and maintain a global mapping system? Today, those organizations include Google, Apple and a consortium owned by Audi, BMW and Mercedes. TomTom supplies GIS data to many organizations and Uber has begun to collect mapping data as well. We close with a bit of Apple gazing. What might Apple’s first car look like? What is its job to be done? Will it be influenced by the VW Beetle? asymcar.com Asymcar River of News

We begin a speculative show in Berlin, where a cab driver laments “young people arriving in the city to party and sleep on couches”. Might Berlin’s youthful visitors in 2050 simply crash in their autonomous pods? Horace races forward and muses on a future filled with roving, autonomous Winnebagos. Jim notes that there have been previous attempts at such vehicles, particularly with 1960’s and 1970’s era vans. Big data and algorithms run interference. Will autonomous pod players be naturally limited to those who can create and maintain a global mapping system? Today, those organizations include Google, Apple and a consortium owned by Audi, BMW and Mercedes. TomTom supplies GIS data to many organizations and Uber has begun to collect mapping data as well. We close with a bit of Apple gazing. What might Apple’s first car look like? What is its job to be done? Will it be influenced by the VW Beetle? <a href="http://asymcar.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">asymcar.com</a> Asymcar River of News

26: The iPod

Mathew Desmond joins us to discuss Cars Online 2015 - The Selfie Experience. The evolving power of the connected customer. We begin with the fascinating finding that “One-half of customers are interested in buying a car from a tech company like Apple or Google. This is true even of customers who are satisfied with their current brand and dealer experience. It is particularly true of young customers (65%) and those in growth markets (China: 74%; India: 81%).” Backing up a bit, we discuss the automaker’s dilemma, that is the legacy manufacturing, distribution and support infrastructure and contrast that with the “clean slate” approach an entrant might enjoy. The concept and inherent conflicts of a “Master Customer Record” fuels a deeper dive into “Continuity”, the buyer’s desire for a seamless experience. Finally, we reflect on the perils that may lie ahead as the auto ecosystem attempts to improve the retail experience. asymcar.com Asymcar River of News.

Mathew Desmond joins us to discuss Cars Online 2015 - The Selfie Experience. The evolving power of the connected customer. We begin with the fascinating finding that “One-half of customers are interested in buying a car from a tech company like Apple or Google. This is true even of customers who are satisfied with their current brand and dealer experience. It is particularly true of young customers (65%) and those in growth markets (China: 74%; India: 81%).” Backing up a bit, we discuss the automaker’s dilemma, that is the legacy manufacturing, distribution and support infrastructure and contrast that with the “clean slate” approach an entrant might enjoy. The concept and inherent conflicts of a “Master Customer Record” fuels a deeper dive into “Continuity”, the buyer’s desire for a seamless experience. Finally, we reflect on the perils that may lie ahead as the auto ecosystem attempts to improve the retail experience. <a href="http://asymcar.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">asymcar.com</a> Asymcar River of News.

25: The Selfie Experience

We revisit “Antennagate”. Should organizations hire people with industry skills and experience or capable, driven outsiders? Horace shares tales from Henry Ford’s personnel practices during the Model T to Model A transition. The conversation accelerates into a discussion of aesthetics and jobs to be done. We muse on Tesla’s development, supply chain, aesthetics and market position while contrasting that with Toyota’s introduction of the Prius. We close with speculation on what a “meaningful contribution” to the auto ecosystem might look like.

We revisit “Antennagate”. Should organizations hire people with industry skills and experience or capable, driven outsiders? Horace shares tales from Henry Ford’s personnel practices during the Model T to Model A transition. The conversation accelerates into a discussion of aesthetics and jobs to be done. We muse on Tesla’s development, supply chain, aesthetics and market position while contrasting that with Toyota’s introduction of the Prius. We close with speculation on what a “meaningful contribution” to the auto ecosystem might look like.

24: Get Rid of the Model T Men

Horace and Jim talk with Matthew Gunson, Director of Brand Management at Phoenix based Local Motors. We learn about Local’s business model, their view of automotive jobs to be done and the 3D printing driven micro factory. Automotive nostalgia and a detour into consumer behavior closes our conversation.

Horace and Jim talk with Matthew Gunson, Director of Brand Management at Phoenix based Local Motors. We learn about Local’s business model, their view of automotive jobs to be done and the 3D printing driven micro factory. Automotive nostalgia and a detour into consumer behavior closes our conversation.

23: As an Industry Turns to Retro, You Know it's Over

From the moment an idea is worth having no one cares what it costs - Andre Citroen The incomparable Citroen DS (French homophone: déesse), 60 years old this year. Hydropneumatic, self-levelling suspension aerodynamic and interior design efficiency, swiveling headlights, novel construction methods. Ahead of its time even in 1985. Why did this iconic design not endure?

From the moment an idea is worth having no one cares what it costs - Andre Citroen The incomparable Citroen DS (French homophone: déesse), 60 years old this year. Hydropneumatic, self-levelling suspension aerodynamic and interior design efficiency, swiveling headlights, novel construction methods. Ahead of its time even in 1985. Why did this iconic design not endure?

22: The Goddess

Gartner asserts that “connected cars or smart cars are poised to play a pivotal role in the Internet of Things (IoT)”. We say “Hah!” Also How levies platform taxes. What in the world could “over serving” transportation mean? Using an Automatic App in a Porsche. BMW Sounding the Alarm over tech companies efforts to collect auto data China’s car industry and other unimportant details relative to declining interest in driving among young people.

Gartner asserts that “connected cars or smart cars are poised to play a pivotal role in the Internet of Things (IoT)”. We say “Hah!” Also How levies platform taxes. What in the world could “over serving” transportation mean? Using an Automatic App in a Porsche. BMW Sounding the Alarm over tech companies efforts to collect auto data China’s car industry and other unimportant details relative to declining interest in driving among young people.

21: Where We're Going We Don't Need Roads

We consider Uber’s street smarts, “cash on the hood” driver acquisition tactics and their ability to operate over the top, that is above local regulations and norms. The proposed elimination of diesel cars in Paris and London ignites a side trip through today’s regulatory labyrinth. Horace reflects on a recent Tesla test drive while evaluating innovation on jobs to be done, form factor design, production methods and their business model. Jim considers Sandy Munro’s recent BMW i3 teardown, which lead him to conclude that “this car makes money”. Might BMW have leaped ahead of Tesla while pumping out 500,000 traditional 3 series this year? We close with news that Porsche has once again rejected an “entry level” sports car project. This, despite their growing SUV and large car portfolio.

We consider Uber’s street smarts, “cash on the hood” driver acquisition tactics and their ability to operate over the top, that is above local regulations and norms. The proposed elimination of diesel cars in Paris and London ignites a side trip through today’s regulatory labyrinth. Horace reflects on a recent Tesla test drive while evaluating innovation on jobs to be done, form factor design, production methods and their business model. Jim considers Sandy Munro’s recent BMW i3 teardown, which lead him to conclude that “this car makes money”. Might BMW have leaped ahead of Tesla while pumping out 500,000 traditional 3 series this year? We close with news that Porsche has once again rejected an “entry level” sports car project. This, despite their growing SUV and large car portfolio.

20: Iconic Design

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