Abstract
The automotive industry has started a process of unrelenting change. It is going to completely change the way it manufactures cars (3D printing), it is going to completely change the ownership model (car sharing) and the cars themselves will no longer need drivers (autonomous technology). This is going to be a very disruptive process that will drive many traditional companies out of business at the same time it creates fantastic opportunities for new ones to be created.
Biography
John McElroy is the host of “Autoline Daily” the first industry webcast of industry news and analysis. He is also the host of the television program “Autoline This Week,” a weekly half-hour discussion program featuring top automotive executives and journalists. The show can be seen online at www.autoline.tv. McElroy also broadcasts five radio segments daily on WWJ Newsradio 950, the CBS affiliate in Detroit. He writes a weekly blog for Autoblog.com and a monthly op-ed article for Ward’s AutoWorld.
John McElroy brings an extensive background to covering the auto industry. He took his first plant tour when he was only six years old. As he got older, he read any and every book about cars he could get his hands on, which led to an understanding of automotive engineering principles. As his enthusiasm for cars grew, he successfully—though briefly—ventured into amateur road racing. He also gained valuable insight to the industry working as an hourly UAW employee in various automotive manufacturing plants while working his way through college, where he earned a Bachelors Degree in English at Wayne State University.
As a journalist, McElroy put his automotive background to good use. His past experience includes five years as Detroit Editor for Road & Track, and as the American correspondent for World Cars, which was published by the Automotive Club of Italy. He was also invited to write the annual automotive entry for the Encyclopedia Britannica Yearbook. He spent most of his career at the trade magazine Automotive Industries where he ultimately rose to Editorial Director.
McElroy has appeared as an automotive expert on ABC World News Tonight, CBS News, and NBC Nightly News. He is often interviewed by CNN, NPR, and CBC in Canada. He is frequently asked to speak to automakers, suppliers and industry organizations. He is a member of the jury of the North American Car and Truck of the Year.
McElroy has won numerous awards for editorial excellence, particularly the Jesse H. Neal award in 1984 for his series titled, “Inside Japan,” and in 1995 and 1997 for his Editorial opinion pieces. In 1997 he was named “Communicator of the Year” by the Sales and Marketing Executives of Detroit. He was awarded first place in the International Wheels Awards in 2004 for his television documentary “The Woodward Avenue Dream Cruise” and in 2005 for his documentary “Challenge Bibendum” and second place in 2006 for “A Car Is Born.”
John McElroy is a thorough student of the industry as a print journalist, television and radio broadcaster, analyst and lecturer.
Contact
jmcelroy@blueskyproductions.tv
