Aerospace and Automotive Crossing Paths

The auto industry is trudging down the road toward lighter-weight vehicles stocked with self-driving technology, a path well-worn in the aerospace sector, which is grappling with issues very familiar to automotive: production efficiency, cost reduction and supply chain rationalization.

The two sides can learn a lot from each other.

To that end, WardsAuto sister publication SpeedNews is bringing aerospace and automotive together in a conference focused on best practices in developing advanced-technology products and managing the costs and logistics of high-volume production.

To be held May 2-4 at the Henry Hotel in Dearborn, the AutoAero conference will explore topics around state-of-the-art vehicle lightweighting, software and cybersecurity, unlocking manufacturing productivity, managing the supply chain and how Silicon Valley may reshape both the aerospace and automotive industries.

WardsAuto Senior Content Director Drew Winter will moderate the lightweighting session and explore materials and process technologies, aerospace and automotive supply chains, and identify lessons learned that could be valuable to both industries. Panelists will include Ramzi Y. Hermiz, President and CEO of Shiloh Industries; Daniel D. Roup, Director, Growth and Market Strategy for Arconic; Lloyd R. Hilligoss, Vice President, Engineering and R&D-NA Automotive, Stanley Engineered Fastening and Jay Baron, Chairman, President and CEO, Center for Automotive Research.

The event kicks off with a reception May 2 joined by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, followed by tours May 3 of automotive and aerospace facilities. The May 4 agenda includes speakers Ford, American Axle, Eaton, Boeing and Moog Aircraft.

Registration is under way and available by clicking here.