---
title: "A Moment in Motor City: Recapping the 11th Annual American Automotive Summit"
description: Explore the highlights of the 11th annual American Automotive Summit!
image: https://blog.generisgp.com/hubfs/AAS%2026%20Post-Summit%20Recap%20Blog.jpg
---

 

[Skip to content](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/a-moment-in-motor-city-recapping-the-11th-annual-american-automotive-summit#main-content)

[![Generis Logo full Colour (Large) (1)](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Generis%20Logo%20full%20Colour%20(Large)%20(1).png?width=773&height=112&name=Generis%20Logo%20full%20Colour%20(Large)%20(1).png "Generis Logo full Colour (Large) (1)")](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog)

- [Automotive](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/tag/automotive),
- [Summit Recap](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/tag/summit-recap)

# A Moment in Motor City: Recapping the 11th Annual American Automotive Summit

- November 13, 2026

[Rena Wu](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/author/rena-wu)

Introduction

In a city built on horsepower and fueled by innovation, Detroit played host to the 2026 [American Automotive Summit](https://usautosummit.com/), from September 15-16, 2026, at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. Across two days, the industry's brightest minds came together to explore what lies down the road for automotive leaders.

Like any motor vehicle, this summit was quite the assembly line of sessions, speakers, discussions, and networking. Three key themes led this year’s conversations, including Manufacturing & Quality, Supply Chain, and Design & Engineering, where every session added another layer of insight into the future of automotive. Between keynotes, panels, workshops, networking reception, and countless conversations over coffee, attendees weren’t just sharing best practices, they were building new connections, uncovering fresh perspectives, and future-proofing their organizations together.

The emcees that led the incredible discussion this year include:

- Ramon Kuczera, SVP, Engineering @ [Dauch Corporation](https://www.linkedin.com/company/dauchcorp/home/)
- Axel Cooley, Co-Chair @ [Automotive Women's Alliance Foundation](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1919546/)
- Ronni Celoto, Chief Designer, Color and Materials @ [Ford](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ford-motor-company/home/)

Join me as we look back on some of this year’s top takeaways. Let’s “drive” into it!

 

## Table of Contents

[Day 1 Highlights](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/a-moment-in-motor-city-recapping-the-11th-annual-american-automotive-summit#Day1_Highlights)

[Day 2 Highlights](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/a-moment-in-motor-city-recapping-the-11th-annual-american-automotive-summit#Day_2_Highlights)

[Conclusion](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/a-moment-in-motor-city-recapping-the-11th-annual-american-automotive-summit#Closing)

[Testimonials](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/a-moment-in-motor-city-recapping-the-11th-annual-american-automotive-summit#Feedback)

 

## Day 1 Highlights

Driving the first day of this year’s summit were Costin Seydoux (SVP, Vehicle Process Engineering) and Tim Fallon (SVP, Global Head, Stellantis Industrial System), colleagues at [Stellantis](https://www.linkedin.com/company/stellantis/home/), who spearheaded Day 1 with a keynote fireside chat on “Optimizing the Path from Design to Assembly through Virtual Commissioning and Modular Engineering”. Kevin Carlin (CEO), from [Realtime Robotics](https://www.linkedin.com/company/realtimerobotics/home/) helped drive the conversation about streamlining the integration of collaborative robotics and utilizing digital twin simulations to validate assembly sequences on the shop floor. 

Shortly after, Doneen McDowell (VP, Manufacturing, North America Full Size Truck and Large SUV Assembly), John Urbanic (Plant Executive Director), and Bethany Berkey (Area Director), a fearsome trio from [General Motors](https://www.linkedin.com/company/general-motors/home/), took to Room 1 for a plenary fireside chat on “Building at Scale Without Missing a Beat: Quality, Throughput, and Launch Discipline in Full-Size Assembly”. Discussions included points regarding scale operations, advanced digital tools and automation, and reconfiguring manufacturing facilities and operational workflows for the next generation of vehicle platforms.

- ![Stellantis zoom in](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stellantis%20zoom%20in.jpg?width=5926&height=3951&name=Stellantis%20zoom%20in.jpg)
- ![Ramon Emcee](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ramon%20Emcee.webp?width=2048&height=1365&name=Ramon%20Emcee.webp)
- ![GM Plenary](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GM%20Plenary.webp?width=2048&height=1365&name=GM%20Plenary.webp)

- ![Axel emcee](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Axel%20emcee.jpg?width=5421&height=3614&name=Axel%20emcee.jpg)
- ![55559412054\_45eed32500\_o](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/55559412054_45eed32500_o.jpg?width=5829&height=3886&name=55559412054_45eed32500_o.jpg)
- ![banners](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/banners.jpg?width=5742&height=3828&name=banners.jpg)

 

Just before our first networking break, Bill Currence (President and Managing Partner) at [Cornerstone Consulting Organization](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cornerstone-consulting-organization/home/), led a discussion on the automotive capacity paradox, explaining why North American manufacturers have installed equipment and automation capacity while still relying on overtime, fighting labor shortages, and struggling to achieve reliable, profitable throughput.

Following those Room 1 keynotes and plenaries, attendees flooded into the expo hall to recharge, meet new peers, and join pre-scheduled 1-2-1 meetings—a highlight for many who arrived with specific challenges, partnership goals, or product development questions in mind.

With coffees in hand, attendees dispersed into the three stream-focused sessions tackling the following:

- Jessica Berry, VP, Operations @ [Adient](https://www.linkedin.com/company/adient/home/) – integrating real-time data analytics into lead manufacturing workflows
- Nitin Sethi, VP, Head, Information Technology @ [Autoliv](https://www.linkedin.com/company/autoliv/home/) – transitioning IT from a reactive back office cost center to an enterprise growth driver
- Ronni Celoto, Chief Designer, Color and Material, and Dustin Shedlarski, Chief Designer, Adventure Vehicles @ [Ford](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ford-motor-company/home/) – designing reconfigurable interior hardpoints and modular systems

Engaging workshop sessions were the perfect next stop for attendees to put those learnings into action! We had the pleasure of hearing the perspectives of leaders from [LightSource AI](https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightsource-ai/home/), [Sigmetrix](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sigmetrix/home/), and [Sapien](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sapiens/home/). 

 

- ![Autoliv](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Autoliv.jpg?width=5929&height=3953&name=Autoliv.jpg)
- ![jessica berry](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jessica%20berry.jpg?width=5827&height=3885&name=jessica%20berry.jpg)
- ![ford fireside](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ford%20fireside.jpg?width=5899&height=3933&name=ford%20fireside.jpg)
- ![Listening](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Listening.jpg?width=5952&height=3968&name=Listening.jpg)
- ![L&Ls day 1](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/L%26Ls%20day%201.webp?Ls%20day%201.webp&width=2048&height=1365&name=L%26Ls%20day%201.webp?Ls%20day%201.webp)
- ![Woven Day 2 session](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Woven%20Day%202%20session.webp?width=2048&height=1365&name=Woven%20Day%202%20session.webp)

 

A well-deserved meal made way after the conclusion of our morning workshops, where the gears shifted into a more intimate and conversational setting. Over the Lunch & Learn roundtables, attendees gathered for focused discussions from organizations including [Sigmetrix](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sigmetrix/home/), [3D Infotech](https://www.linkedin.com/company/3d-infotech/home/), [SMW Autoblok](https://www.linkedin.com/company/smw-autoblok/home/), [QAD](https://www.linkedin.com/company/qad/home/), [Fujitsu](https://www.linkedin.com/company/fujitsu/home/), [Musashi AI North America](https://www.linkedin.com/company/musashi-ai-waterloo/home/), [TKO Staffing](https://www.linkedin.com/company/tko-staffing/home/), [Sight Machine](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sight-machine/home/), [FPT Automotive](https://www.linkedin.com/company/fpt-auto/home/), [Infor](https://www.linkedin.com/company/infor/home/), [SiteVue AI](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sitevueai/home/), and [Senen Group](https://www.linkedin.com/company/senengroup/home/).

The afternoon continued to pick up speed with sessions in Rooms 1, 2, and 3, taking place concurrently:

Room 1 – Fireside Chat: From Rules to Learning: Building Autonomous Systems at Scale

- Kensuke Yokoi, Senior Director, Global Head, World Understanding @ [Woven By Toyota](https://www.linkedin.com/company/wovenbytoyota/home/)
- Alex Vogt, Account Executive @ [Inbolt](https://www.linkedin.com/company/inbolt/home/)

Room 2 – Mastering Global Supply Chain Program Management to Enhance Resilience, Agility, and Strategic Alignment

- Rafael Larrauri, Global Director, Supply Chain Program Management @ [Ford](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ford-motor-company/home/)

Room 3 – Fireside Chat: Engineering the Future Workforce: Leadership Strategies for Next Generation Automotive Talent

- Tony Nausieda, Chief Engineer, Electric and Hybrid Propulsion Systems @ [General Motors](https://www.linkedin.com/company/general-motors/home/)
- Lauren Dunford, CEO and Co-Founder @ [Guidewheel](https://www.linkedin.com/company/guidewheel/home/)

 

- ![Tony](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Tony.jpg?width=5824&height=3883&name=Tony.jpg)
- ![networking laugh](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/networking%20laugh.jpg?width=6000&height=4000&name=networking%20laugh.jpg)
- ![Rafael](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Rafael.jpg?width=5673&height=3782&name=Rafael.jpg)

 

Workshops led by [Velotic](https://www.linkedin.com/company/velotic-software/home/), [Datch](https://www.linkedin.com/company/datch/home/), and [Realtime Robotics](https://www.linkedin.com/company/realtimerobotics/home/) then took over the afternoon, where attendees gained valuable insights into modern plant floor architectures, AI diagnostics, and how physical AI helps OEMs compete in a global market.

Laptops and notepads were tucked away for a period as attendees found themselves back in the expo hall for a well-deserved happy hour networking break hosted by [Cornerstone Consulting Organization](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cornerstone-consulting-organization/home/)! Drinks and lively conversation filled the expo floor before steering back into session rooms.

 

- ![Hash](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Hash.jpg?width=5885&height=3923&name=Hash.jpg)
- ![eod 1 panel](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/eod%201%20panel.jpg?width=5608&height=3739&name=eod%201%20panel.jpg)
- ![listening part 2](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/listening%20part%202.jpg?width=5915&height=3943&name=listening%20part%202.jpg)

 

As attendees flurried into Room 1, Henning Dransfeld, Global Industry Principal, Automotive @ [Infor](https://www.linkedin.com/company/infor/home/) led a plenary on the digital transformation in automotive manufacturing and that last lap for legacy.

By the late afternoon, everyone gathered in Room 1 for the final plenary of the day, led by Harsha Badarinarayan, VP, Advanced Engineering @ [Astemo](https://www.linkedin.com/company/astemo/home/).

We finished Day 1 off strong with a powerhouse panel moderated by Jo-Elsa Jordan (Industry Leader, Automotive and Batteries @ [Virginia Economic Development Partnership](https://www.linkedin.com/company/virginia-economic-development-partnership/home/)), where she guided the discussion on preparing for the large shift redefining automotive. We had the privilege to hear from:

- Mohan Swaminathan (Director, US Operations @ [GESTAMP](https://www.linkedin.com/company/gestamp/home/))
- Soma Venkat (SVP, Chief Information Technology Officer @ [Cooper Standard](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cooper-standard-automotive/home/))
- Olivier Cadet (VP, Advanced Innovation @ [OPmobility](https://www.linkedin.com/company/opmobility/home/))
- Christine Thelesklaf (VP, Engineering @ [Bosch USA](https://www.linkedin.com/company/boschusa/home/))
- Brent Carr (Director, Maintenance Systems and Reliability @ [US Farathane](https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-farathane/home/))

After a few closing remarks, attendees were reunited once again in the expo hall for a well deserved end-of-day-1 networking drinks reception hosted by [Sapien](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sapiens/home/).

 

- ![eod 1 panel zoom in](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/eod%201%20panel%20zoom%20in.jpg?width=5701&height=3801&name=eod%201%20panel%20zoom%20in.jpg)
- ![Networking 1](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Networking%201.webp?width=2048&height=1365&name=Networking%201.webp)
- ![55558227337\_ca428be617\_o](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/55558227337_ca428be617_o.jpg?width=5843&height=3895&name=55558227337_ca428be617_o.jpg)

 

 

## Day 2 Highlights

 

Good morning to Day 2 in Detroit! The smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods, along with a robust panel of speakers, drew attendees straight to Room 1 for Day 2’s Women in Leadership discussion. Both new and familiar faces on the panel included:

Our phenomenal WIL speaker line-up included:

- Kristin Toth (Executive Director Electrical Systems, Software and Connectivity @ [General Motors](https://www.linkedin.com/company/general-motors/home/))
- Shannon Quinn (President, Industrial and Specialty Group @ [Cooper Standard](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cooper-standard-automotive/home/))
- Jana Rosenmann (President, Automotive @ [Pisto](https://www.linkedin.com/company/piston-group/home/))
- Jessica Berry (VP, Operations @ [Adient](https://www.linkedin.com/company/adient/home/))
- Shawn Rousseau (VP, Vehicle Process Engineering, North America @ [Stellantis](https://www.linkedin.com/company/stellantis/home/))
- Sheila Stafford (CEO @ [TeamSense](https://www.linkedin.com/company/teamsenseapp/home/))

The morning keynote, hosted by [Goodyear](https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodyear-brakes/home/) colleagues, Chris Helsel (SVP, Chief Technical Officer) and Werner Happenhofer (VP, Global Tire Intelligence and Solution), dived into how digital engineering is changing tire development.

Gaining morning momentum, Jana Rosenmann, President, Automotive @ [Piston Group](https://www.linkedin.com/company/piston-group/home/) kept the energy high with a plenary on “Redefining Value-Added Assembly through Advanced Robotics”.

- ![55558221187\_706ed6b5b8\_o](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/55558221187_706ed6b5b8_o.jpg?width=5003&height=3335&name=55558221187_706ed6b5b8_o.jpg)
- ![55559406924\_c868647bf1\_o (1)](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/55559406924_c868647bf1_o%20(1).jpg?width=5911&height=3941&name=55559406924_c868647bf1_o%20(1).jpg)
- ![WIL zoom in](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/WIL%20zoom%20in.webp?width=2048&height=1365&name=WIL%20zoom%20in.webp)
- ![Janna Piston Group](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Janna%20Piston%20Group.jpg?width=5891&height=3927&name=Janna%20Piston%20Group.jpg)
- ![55559650630\_43a559237a\_o](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/55559650630_43a559237a_o.jpg?width=5727&height=3818&name=55559650630_43a559237a_o.jpg)
- ![Good Year](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Good%20Year.jpg?width=5710&height=3807&name=Good%20Year.jpg)

 

The rest of the morning consisted of Plenaries and Workshops hosted by [SiteVue AI](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sitevueai/home/), [Sightachine](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sight-machine/home/), [Relay](https://www.linkedin.com/company/relaypro/home/), and [Maneva AI](https://www.linkedin.com/company/maneva-ai/home/), swiftly leading us to our final networking break of the summit. Attendees and sponsors alike wrapped up their final meetings before taking to the final sessions of the late morning.

Transitioning from networking to sessions was without friction, especially with the stacked line-up of session speakers including:

- Shannon Quinn, (President, Industrial and Specialty Group @ [Cooper Standard](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cooper-standard-automotive/home/)) – leveraging design and manufacturing principles in adjacent markets
- Peter Barna (Technical Director @ [Grupo](https://www.linkedin.com/company/grupo-antolin-turnov-s-r-o-/home/)) and David Robinson (VP, External Affairs @ [JVIS USA](https://www.linkedin.com/company/jvisusallc/home/)) – acknowledging tariff realities and commercial pressures across the value chain
- David Hill (Director, NA Customer Centre, H2 Truck and Bus @ [OPmobility](https://www.linkedin.com/company/opmobility/home/)) – balancing long-term visionary thinking with daily execution
- Marinela Cirstea (President, Automotive @ [Leggett Dynamics](https://www.linkedin.com/company/leggettdynamics/home/)) and Brandon Lin (Director, Operations - North America @ [Leggett Dynamics](https://www.linkedin.com/company/leggettdynamics/home/)) – redefining the in-cabin experience
- Todd Latouf (VP, Operational Excellence @ [Magna International](https://www.linkedin.com/company/magna-international/home/)) – scaling operational excellence across global facilities
- Christine Thelesklaf (VP, Engineering @ [Bosch USA](https://www.linkedin.com/company/boschusa/home/)) and Bernd Graef (Director, Customer Chief Engineering, ETAS @ [Bosch USA](https://www.linkedin.com/company/boschusa/home/)) – decoupling hardware and software to enable faster innovation and lifecycle upgrades

Let’s not skip past the workshops led by [QAD](https://www.linkedin.com/company/qad/home/), [GP Strategies](https://www.linkedin.com/company/gp-strategies-corporation/home/), and [Fujitsu North America](https://www.linkedin.com/company/fujitsu/home/) that kept attendees engaged and alert throughout the rest of the morning.

The summit’s infamous Lunch & Learns took place once again, led by these top leaders in the industry:

- Patricia Dominguez @ [Cooper Standard](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cooper-standard-automotive/home/)
- Peter Barna @ [Grupo Antolin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/grupo-antolin-turnov-s-r-o-/home/)
- Trent Townsend @ [Nexteer Automotive](https://www.linkedin.com/company/nexteer-automotive/home/)
- Kim Liddle @ [Ford](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ford-motor-company/home/)
- Bridget Grewal @ [Magna International](https://www.linkedin.com/company/magna-international/home/)
- Ryan Flavin @ [Yazaki North America](https://www.linkedin.com/company/yazaki-north-america/home/)
- Justin Koegle @ [Aptiv](https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinaptiv/home/)

 

- ![peter barna](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/peter%20barna.jpg?width=5900&height=3933&name=peter%20barna.jpg)
- ![leggett](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/leggett.jpg?width=5696&height=3797&name=leggett.jpg)
- ![55559641950\_f7bd29211d\_o](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/55559641950_f7bd29211d_o.jpg?width=5623&height=3749&name=55559641950_f7bd29211d_o.jpg)
- ![christine session](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/christine%20session.jpg?width=5820&height=3880&name=christine%20session.jpg)
- ![lunch-1](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/lunch-1.jpg?width=5735&height=3823&name=lunch-1.jpg)
- ![shannon](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/shannon.jpg?width=5714&height=3809&name=shannon.jpg)

 

The final day of the 11th Annual American Automotive Summit wrapped up with an end-of-day plenary and panel. 

The plenary, featuring a fireside discussion between Jennica Sims, Head Federal Affairs at [Volkswagen Group of America](https://www.linkedin.com/company/volkswagen-group-of-america/home/) and Rory Heslington, VP, Government Affairs @ [Autos Drive America](https://www.linkedin.com/company/autosdriveamerica/home/), explored using policies as a competitive advantage in today’s automotive landscape.  
<https://cvta.squarespace.com/>

 

- ![volkswagen](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/volkswagen.jpg?width=5861&height=3907&name=volkswagen.jpg)
- ![volkswagen zoom out](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/volkswagen%20zoom%20out.jpg?width=5868&height=3912&name=volkswagen%20zoom%20out.jpg)
- ![audience-1](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/audience-1.jpg?width=5533&height=3689&name=audience-1.jpg)
- ![generis sign-2](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/generis%20sign-2.jpg?width=5677&height=3785&name=generis%20sign-2.jpg)
- ![panel zoom out](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/panel%20zoom%20out.jpg?width=5932&height=3955&name=panel%20zoom%20out.jpg)
- ![prizes](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/prizes.jpg?width=5066&height=3377&name=prizes.jpg)

 

Our final panel of the summit brought together speakers from [Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems](https://www.linkedin.com/company/bendix-commercial-vehicle-systems-llc/home/) (Bartek Magiera, Industrial Engineering and Operational Excellence), [OPmobility](https://www.linkedin.com/company/opmobility/home/) (Jordan Pavel, Regional Project Director, Chief of Staff, NA), [Bosch USA](https://www.linkedin.com/company/boschusa/home/) (Carsten Zinner, VP, Purchasing), and [Telo Trucks](https://www.linkedin.com/company/telo-trucks/home/) (Logan Iudiciani, Director, Purchasing and Supply Chain), guiding the discussion was [JR Automation](https://www.linkedin.com/company/jr-automation/home/) (Paul Kramer, VP Sales). This panel highlighted the next generation of supply chain with discussions touching AI, automation and resiliency. A strong panel to end off the day!

Final closing remarks and farewells took place in Room 1, as emcees distributed some special prizes and attendees left with a stronger engine for innovation.

 

## Conclusion

Two days, countless insights, and a whole lot of horsepower—Detroit once again demonstrated why it remains at the heart of automotive innovation. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the incredible delegates, speakers, sponsors, and media partners who fueled this summit to success. Your insights, collaboration, and engagement continue to drive the future of automotive innovation forward.

With that, gear up for more—this road is just beginning!

We're now entering a brand new decade of the American Automotive Summit. Looking ahead, registration for the 12th annual American Automotive Summit is now open, returning to Detroit, MI on October 14-15, 2027: [usautosummit.com](https://usautosummit.com/)

---

## Testimonials

 

“Very enlightening, great to hear from other leaders from different areas than mine on how they are dealing with different challenges.”

Ronni Celoto, Chief Designer, Color and Material @ Ford Motor Company

 

“An exceptional networking experience while gaining leading edge technology knowledge.”

Austin Houkom, VP Engineering @ Polaris

 

“Informative and I appreciate flexible options to select from real time”

Todd Brown, VP Business Division Powertrain Solutions @ Schaeffler Group USA

 

“The event is very well organized and all Generis Staff are always ready to help and serve.”

          **Daniel Rodrigues, Head of Supplier Management Region North America @ ZF Group**

 

“The 1-2-1 meetings were worth the conference. So much technology being developed and it comes to light in those meetings”

Rebecca Beckham, Supply Chain Special Projects Manager @ SAF Holland

 

“This summit is great. The speakers are knowledgeable, food is great, and the atmosphere is professional. Lots of networking opportunities!”

**Staci Napier, Senior Supplier Development Manager @ Adient**

 

“Great opportunity for me to learn industry trends, know some potential partners/supliers”

Charles Gu, Functional Safety Manager @ Aptiv

 

“Very informative and good way to network with other companies”

Alyssa Obert, Maintenance Planner @ General Motors

 

---

Learn more about our upcoming 2027 North American events, and secure your spot today:

- [American Manufacturing Summit | March 16-17, 2027](http://manusummit.com)
- [American Biomanufacturing Summit | April 6-7, 2027](http://biomansummit.com)
- [American Supply Chain Summit | April 27-28, 2027](http://supplychainus.com)
- [American Packaging Summit | May 16-17, 2027](http://uspacksummit.com)
- [American CIO & Cybersecurity Summit | May 20-21, 2027](http://cioamerica.com)
- [American Electronics Manufacturing Summit | June 16-17, 2027](https://techmansummit.com/)
- ...and more [2027 events](https://generisgp.com/events/)!

 

![American\_Automotive\_Summit\_Generis\_Group\_2026-841-scaled](https://blog.generisgp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/American_Automotive_Summit_Generis_Group_2026-841-scaled.webp?width=799&height=533&name=American_Automotive_Summit_Generis_Group_2026-841-scaled.webp)

 

Subscribe so you never miss another blog!

![Rena Wu](https://blog.generisgp.com/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-07-02%20at%2012.27.34%20PM.png)

## [Rena Wu Rena Wu is a Digital Marketing Specialist at Generis Group.](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/author/rena-wu)

 Visit Homepage

## Back to Homepage

[![](https://blog.generisgp.com/hubfs/AAS%2026%20Post-Summit%20Recap%20Blog.jpg)](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/a-moment-in-motor-city-recapping-the-11th-annual-american-automotive-summit)

[Automotive](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/tag/automotive), [Summit Recap](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/tag/summit-recap)

### [A Moment in Motor City: Recapping the 11th Annual American Automotive Summit](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/a-moment-in-motor-city-recapping-the-11th-annual-american-automotive-summit)

Introduction

In a city built on horsepower and fueled by innovation, Detroit played host to the 2026 [American...](https://usautosummit.com/)

 by Rena Wu

[Learn More](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/a-moment-in-motor-city-recapping-the-11th-annual-american-automotive-summit)

[![](https://blog.generisgp.com/hubfs/Leggett%20v2%20-%20AAS.png)](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/marinela-cirstea-on-the-future-of-in-cabin-experience-automotive-comfort)

[Leadership](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/tag/leadership), [Automotive](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/tag/automotive), [Speaker Spotlight](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/tag/speaker-spotlight)

### [Marinela Cirstea on the Future of In-Cabin Experience & Automotive Comfort \[Speaker Spotlight\]](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/marinela-cirstea-on-the-future-of-in-cabin-experience-automotive-comfort)

Introduction

 by Rena Wu

[Learn More](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/marinela-cirstea-on-the-future-of-in-cabin-experience-automotive-comfort)

[![](https://blog.generisgp.com/hubfs/Blog%20Photos%20(14)-1.png)](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/from-supply-chain-to-digital-supply-network-the-sms-group-transformation-journey-with-laurent-heisserer-evp-and-global-head-supply-chain-management-at-sms-g-1790080320543)

[Supply Chain](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/tag/supply-chain), [Speaker Spotlight](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/tag/speaker-spotlight)

### [From Supply Chain to Digital Supply Network: The SMS group Transformation Journey with Laurent Heisserer, EVP and Global Head, Supply Chain Management at SMS group \[Speaker Spotlight\]](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/from-supply-chain-to-digital-supply-network-the-sms-group-transformation-journey-with-laurent-heisserer-evp-and-global-head-supply-chain-management-at-sms-g-1790080320543)

Explore insights from [Laurent Heisserer](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurent-heisserer-6b54912/), EVP and Global Head of Supply Chain Management at [SMS group](https://www.sms-group.com/), on building...

 by Devyn Smith

[Learn More](https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/from-supply-chain-to-digital-supply-network-the-sms-group-transformation-journey-with-laurent-heisserer-evp-and-global-head-supply-chain-management-at-sms-g-1790080320543)

[Back to Homepage](https://generisgp.com/)

---

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Rena Wu",
    "url" : "https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/author/rena-wu"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-11-13T19:09:11.211Z",
  "datePublished" : "2026-11-13T19:09:11.000Z",
  "headline" : "A Moment in Motor City: Recapping the 11th Annual American Automotive Summit",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.generisgp.com/hubfs/AAS%2026%20Post-Summit%20Recap%20Blog.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.generisgp.com/blog/a-moment-in-motor-city-recapping-the-11th-annual-american-automotive-summit",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.generisgp.com/hubfs/Generis%20Logo.png"
    },
    "name" : "Generis"
  }
}
```