This session explores the ways in which smart electric mobility impacts businesses, and what a transition to electric will look like for commercial fleets. Host Chuck Nice is joined by TechCrunch panelist Ted Cannis, CEO of Ford Pro, and Sam Abuelsamid, longtime engineer in the automotive industry-turned auto industry journalist. Nitty-gritty car talk blended with discussion of sustainability and imagery to elaborate on the future of the topic.
Speakers
Sam Abuelsamid — Principal Analyst, E-Mobility, Guidehouse Insights
Sam Abuelsamid is a principal analyst leading Guidehouse Insights’ E-Mobility Research Service with a focus on transportation electrification, automated driving and mobility services. With Guidehouse, Sam has worked with numerous clients to help them understand emerging technology trends and shape strategies. Sam regularly contributes to a number of publications including Autonomous Vehicle Engineering, Forbes and One Zero, and co-hosts the Wheel Bearings podcast. Trained as a mechanical engineer, Sam worked in the automotive industry for more than two decades, developing advanced electronic control systems and embedded software. Prior to joining Guidehouse Insights (formerly Navigant Research) in 2014, Sam worked as an automotive journalist and in product and technology communications at Ford and GM.
Ted Cannis — CEO, Ford Pro
Ted was appointed CEO, Ford Pro, and a corporate officer effective June 1, 2021. In this role, Cannis leads a global team that is redefining customer value through the auto industry’s first standalone commercial-vehicles services and distribution business inside Ford. Ford Pro leverages technology to deliver a range of electric and gas commercial vans, trucks, and connected services, helping business and government customers improve productivity and lower their total cost of vehicle ownership. Previously, Cannis was General Manager of Commercial Vehicles, where he unified dedicated resources needed to drive the commercial vehicle business forward by delivering customer solutions and optimizing operations — including through improved alignment with partners. Cannis was global director of Battery Electric Vehicles, leading strategy and business execution for Team Edison — Ford’s dedicated team for battery electric vehicles that developed the groundbreaking Mustang Mach-E SUV. Cannis began his career at Ford in 1989 as a profit analyst at the company’s headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. He worked 11 years in Finance, including assignments in Brazil, the United States, and other various executive positions in Marketing.
