Auto Futurecast

Leaders from the automotive, mobility and technology industry sit down with Chris Kirby to talk about the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of mobility. Chris' extensive automotive experience coupled with his relaxed style provides a great forum for guests to speak openly and share their insights. This is the podcast that brings you automotive pioneers who go beyond the headlines to uncover what's really happening in the industry right now.

Auto Futurecast is a leisure podcast hosted by Chris Kirby, with 24 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Chris Kirby hosts Auto Futurecast, a leisure show with 24 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #4

  Electric Trucks, AI & Autonomous Freight: The Future of Logistics | Jamie Sands

  Aug 6, 202653 minS2

  What does the future of freight really look like? In Episode 4 of Auto Futurecast Season 2 , Chris Kirby is joined by Jamie Sands , Head of Solutions at Welch’s Transport, to explore how electrification, artificial intelligence and autonomous technology are reshaping the logistics industry. From the realities of running electric HGVs to the challenge of building charging infrastructure at scale, Jamie shares what Welch’s has learned by becoming an “accidental pioneer” in fleet electrification. The conversation explores why the traditional total cost of ownership calculation no longer works, and why electrification increasingly needs to be viewed as a commercial opportunity , not simply a sustainability exercise. Chris and Jamie also dive into AI in logistics , including how operators can unlock value from huge amounts of fleet data, predictive maintenance and smarter operations. The discussion then turns to autonomous freight and why automation could fundamentally change the economics and structure of logistics networks. They discuss: The commercial case for electric trucks and fleet electrification Why charging infrastructure could become one of freight’s biggest bottlenecks How AI can transform fleet data and logistics operations The potential of autonomous trucks and autonomous freight Why collaboration and innovation will be critical for independent operators What the transition could mean for the future economics of freight Jamie also discusses 2040 , the not-for-profit research organisation created to accelerate the transition to the future of freight through collaborative innovation. ️ Watch the full episode and join the conversation about what comes next for freight and logistics. Auto Futurecast Season 2 is proudly sponsored by Aon and brought to you in association with Tomorrow’s Journey and Generational. #AutoFuturecast #FutureOfFreight #FleetElectrification #ElectricTrucks #AI #AutonomousVehicles #Logistics #FutureOfMobility #EVFleet #FreightTech Watch Episode on Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@autofuturecast

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #3

  Why EV Fleets Are Winning: Mike Nakrani on Energy, Policy & Profitability | Auto Futurecast S2E3

  Jul 23, 202658 minS2

  Why EV Fleets Are Winning: Mike Nakrani on Energy, Policy & Profitability The transition to electric fleets is no longer being driven solely by sustainability goals. As technology matures and operating costs become increasingly important, fleet electrification is emerging as a strategic business decision that can improve efficiency, resilience and long-term competitiveness. In this episode of Auto Futurecast Season 2 , Chris Kirby is joined by Mike Nakrani, CEO of VEV , to explore why the conversation around fleet electrification is evolving beyond vehicle adoption and towards energy optimisation, operational intelligence and commercial value. Together, they discuss why businesses are increasingly viewing electrification as a competitive advantage, how intelligent energy management is reshaping fleet operations, the role of the Electric Refinery , and why the organisations that learn to optimise charging, infrastructure and energy today will be best positioned for the future of mobility. Key Takeaways Why fleet electrification is becoming a commercial advantage rather than a sustainability initiative. How energy optimisation can reduce costs and improve fleet performance. What the Electric Refinery means for the future of fleet energy management. Why heavy commercial vehicles are becoming increasingly viable for electrification. How operational intelligence is shaping the next generation of fleet management. The role of policy, infrastructure and long-term planning in accelerating fleet adoption. What You'll Learn Throughout the conversation, Mike shares his perspective on some of the biggest opportunities and challenges shaping commercial transport today. Why are more fleet operators choosing to electrify based on business performance rather than environmental targets? How can businesses optimise energy consumption and charging infrastructure to reduce operating costs? What role will digital tools and energy management play as fleets continue to electrify? And how should fleet operators, OEMs and mobility businesses prepare for a future where operational intelligence becomes just as important as the vehicles themselves? Drawing on his experience leading VEV and working with organisations transitioning to electric fleets, Mike shares practical insights into the technologies, strategies and operational changes that are helping businesses build more efficient, resilient and commercially successful fleet operations. Whether you're an OEM, dealer group, fleet operator, leasing company or mobility provider, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the opportunities, challenges and innovations shaping the future of fleet electrification. Watch Episode on Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@autofuturecast

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #3

  The Future of EV Charging with Sarah Sloman | Payment Anxiety, Infrastructure & Trust

  Jul 8, 202644 minS2

  In this episode of Auto Futurecast Season 2 , Chris Kirby is joined by Sarah Sloman , Global Partnerships Director at Paythru and one of the UK's leading voices in sustainable transport, to explore the future of EV charging, infrastructure and consumer adoption. From payment anxiety and contactless charging to destination charging, consumer trust and the evolving EV ecosystem, this conversation examines what the industry needs to focus on next to accelerate the transition to electric mobility. Whether you're an OEM, dealer group, fleet operator, charge point operator, mobility provider or simply passionate about the future of transportation, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world perspectives. Watch Episode on Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@autofuturecast

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #1

  The State of Mobility in 2026 | Autonomous Vehicles, AI & Future of Automotive | Lukas Neckermann

  Jun 25, 202650 minS2

  Title : The State of Mobility in 2026 with Lukas Neckermann | Auto Futurecast S2E1 Description: Welcome to Season 2 of Auto Futurecast. In this episode, Chris Kirby is joined by mobility strategist and industry advisor Lukas Neckermann to discuss the state of mobility in 2026 and the trends shaping the future of automotive. From autonomous vehicles and AI to dealership transformation, fleet operations and emerging mobility models, Lukas shares his perspective on what is actually changing across the industry, and what leaders should be paying attention to over the next decade. Topics covered: The future of autonomous vehicles in the UK and Europe AI's impact on automotive retail and fleet operations Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) The evolving role of dealerships New automotive brands and market disruption Vehicle subscriptions and changing ownership models The opportunities and challenges facing the mobility sector in 2026 Whether you're an automotive professional, dealer group, fleet operator, mobility startup or industry enthusiast, this episode provides valuable insights into the forces reshaping transportation. 🎙️ Guest: Lukas Neckermann Managing Director, Neckermann Strategic Advisors Co-Founder, Urban Places Lab Advisor, PAVE Europe Presented by Aon. Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders, innovators and experts shaping the future of automotive and mobility. #AutoFuturecast #Mobility #AutomotiveIndustry #FutureOfMobility #AutonomousVehicles #ArtificialIntelligence #Dealerships #VehicleSubscription #FleetManagement #Transportation #AutomotiveInnovation #LukasNeckermann #MobilityTechnology #AutomotivePodcast #ElectricVehicles

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #19

  What's Broken in EV Charging And How to Fix It

  Dec 22, 202536 minS0

  <p>While the conversation around the <b>electric vehicle (EV) revolution</b> typically gravitates toward <b>battery range</b> or <b>autonomous driving software</b>, a significant yet often overlooked challenge remains. The <b>physical installation of EV chargers</b> presents a major bottleneck in infrastructure rollout.</p><p><b>Traditional installation methods</b> are fraught with complications. The process involves <b>excavating trenches</b>, <b>navigating underground utilities</b>, <b>pouring concrete</b>, and managing <b>unpredictable weather delays</b>. These factors collectively slow down the deployment of essential charging networks.</p><p><b>The Solution: Pre-Cast Foundations</b><...

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Auto Futurecast. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.