Is Your Car Secretly Smarter Than You? AI-Defined Vehicles with Edward Wilford from Omdia Automotive

Heated seat subscriptions (aka “toasty buns”), the Little Tikes EV charging station and a Cary Grant–level Bear photoshoot…yes, this episode covers all the big questions in automotive. Recorded live at AutoTech Detroit, Edward Wilford, Senior Research Director at Omdia Automotive is my guest today to talk about the leap from software defined vehicles (SDV) to AI-defined vehicles (AIDV), and why some automakers are sprinting while others are still tying their shoes.

You’ll hear who’s winning at SDV and AIDV and why Mercedes-Benz just snagged AI Automaker of the Year, a clear, human explanation of SDV vs AIDV, and the business logic behind subscriptions from seat heaters to features you didn’t know you’d pay for.

Edward also explains how AI can manage range, charging, and comfort based on your real-life habits, why mapping companies may become the most powerful players you never see on the window sticker, and how automakers are split between “everything-in-the-car OS” and bring-your-own-smartphone minimalism. Press play if you’re wondering where the brains of the car are headed, and who actually makes money on this shift.

YouTube video with Edward in Rapid Fire Questions segment!