AI in Automotive: Transforming the Automobile Industry

The AI in the automotive landscape is accelerating at a breathtaking pace. As we glance further down the road, the trajectory of AI in automotive appears even more compelling. By 2033, the market size is projected to reach an impressive $35.71 billion. This growth is a testament to AI's role in transforming automotive sectors and indicates its foundational impact on the industry.

https://www.precedenceresearch.com/automotive-artificial-intelligence-market 

For instance, AI-powered fleet management, a sector within AI automotive, is emerging as a pivotal opportunity, suggesting a shift not only in vehicle operation but in the entire paradigm of transportation management. Similarly, AI automotive diagnostics are becoming increasingly predictive, shifting from reactive repairs to proactive maintenance, leveraging AI in cars today to foresee and rectify potential faults.

Moreover, the growth projections are staggering, with self-driving vehicles expected to represent 1 in 10 on the roads by 2030. The intelligence AI integrated into these vehicles will easily navigate complex scenarios indistinguishable from, or perhaps superior to, human finesse.

Electrification and AI in smart cars also signal a slow yet steady rise. Despite decelerating from the previous year, the anticipated growth of electric vehicle (EV) sales to 16% in 2024 indicates a market adapting and maturing, with AI in automotive playing a pivotal role. GAN models elevate synthetic data's accuracy and efficiency, propelling AI's design and testing phases in smart cars.

AI in automobiles isn't confined to the roads; it's also transforming customer experiences. With AI, digital car shopping and ownership experiences are refined for simplicity and user engagement. This streamlining is anticipated to increase the online car-buying market size to $754.2 billion by 2024, underlining the demand for personalized, AI-driven services.

The industry is on the cusp of a revolution, with AI in automotive infusing data and AI-driven innovations across the spectrum. By 2031, the automotive data analytics market will reach $15,387 million. AI's analytical prowess transforms decision-making processes, enhances real-time vehicle diagnostics, and revolutionizes maintenance and safety protocols.

Through AI in automotive businesses, we are not just spectators to evolution; we participate in a revolution that promises efficiency, safety, and an elevated human experience. Each advancement, from generative AI solutions in design to AI in smart cars on our streets, is a piece of a giant puzzle that, when complete, will illustrate a future where technology and transportation exist in seamless, intelligent harmony.

Elevating Production with AI in Automotive

Streamlining Manufacturing with AI in Automotive

At the heart of manufacturing, AI in automotive is crucial for process optimization. Through predictive maintenance, AI's machine learning capabilities enable real-time equipment data analysis, foreseeing and addressing maintenance demands before they escalate. Strategic advantages manifest through AI agents optimizing logistics and predicting maintenance, a leap forward for AI automotive diagnostics. This forward-thinking strategy reduces unplanned stops, reinforces machinery dependability, and prolongs its service life, thus amplifying production output. 

Additionally, AI-enhanced quality control systems are transforming inspection methodologies. Leveraging advanced computer vision, these systems scrutinize production data to pinpoint defects with unparalleled precision. Automating quality assurance ensures adherence to rigorous standards, diminishes the need for reworks, and consistently secures top-tier product quality.

According to McKinsey, AI in automobile manufacturing is on the cusp of a seismic shift. As AI in automotive applications proliferate, from driver assistance systems to AI-powered fleet management, companies are recalibrating their operations for a future where AI automotive diagnostics enhance performance and productivity. AI in cars today is a reality, signaling an era where self-driving vehicles and generative AI will become standard fare, and the supply chain will become a model of efficiency.

In this AI-empowered age, AI in smart cars is no longer a distant dream but an imminent transformation. Intelligent AI will make autonomous driving the norm, constituting 10-15% of new car sales by 2030. AI in automotive isn't just augmenting the driving experience—it's fundamentally altering the fabric of the automotive industry, laying down the roadmap for a future where efficiency, safety, and innovation are intertwined.

Embracing AI in automotive is essential for industry leaders aiming to excel in a market dominated by advancements in intelligence automotive technologies. AI in automobiles is more than a technological leap; it's a strategic imperative that requires an AI-fluent culture. With the right approach, AI in automotive will change how we drive, conceptualize, and build the vehicles of tomorrow.

AI in automotive is steering the enterprise towards an integrated future where every facet of the auto business—from AI automotive diagnostics to customer service—will be enhanced. The keys to success? A keen understanding of the technology, a robust data infrastructure, and a workforce adept in AI and domain knowledge. As the automotive landscape evolves, AI is the cornerstone of growth, driving an era of unprecedented innovation and prosperity.

Efficiency Milestones with AI in Automotive

Below is a table that outlines key areas where AI in automotive is setting efficiency milestones without projecting exact figures, reflecting the real-world application and advantages of AI technologies in the industry:

This table displays how AI in automotive catalyzes progress across various facets of the industry. The DevOps services can tremendously support the optimization of manufacturing processes through technology and software development practices.

Navigating Towards Autonomy with AI 

Technological Breakthroughs in Autonomous Vehicles

• Sensor Integration Through AI: Autonomous vehicles employ diverse sensors to comprehend their surroundings accurately. AI-powered sensor integration processes this multi-sensor data, offering a real-time, 360-degree view of the vehicle's environment. This refined data synthesis allows for precisely identifying obstacles, enhancing maritime safety.
• AI-Driven Decision-Making: AI's decision-making algorithms are vital to autonomous driving. These systems assess sensor inputs and contextual data to make instantaneous navigation decisions. Trained on extensive driving data, these AI models enable vehicles to navigate complex traffic situations autonomously.
• Learning Navigation with AI: Autonomous vehicles are trained using machine learning to adapt to various driving conditions. Through continuous learning from diverse scenarios, these AI systems refine their driving algorithms, improving with every mile driven. Reinforcement learning, in particular, allows for this adaptive improvement, enhancing decision-making with experience.

The RAG model significantly enhances the output quality of AI-driven decision-making systems, marking a pivotal innovation in AI in automotive navigation.

The Future Shaped by Autonomous AI in Automotive

• Safety Enhancements: AI in autonomous vehicles promises significantly reduced accidents attributed to human error. Autonomous technology aims to improve road safety by eliminating distractions and impairments.
• Transportation Efficiency: Deploying autonomous vehicles could drastically enhance the efficiency of transportation systems. Through more innovative route planning and reduced congestion, autonomous technology aims to streamline traffic flow and reduce environmental impact.
• Societal Transformations: Adopting autonomous vehicles carries extensive societal implications, potentially reshaping urban landscapes, improving mobility for disadvantaged groups, and addressing accessibility challenges. However, navigating ethical considerations regarding data privacy and job impacts is crucial for this technology's balanced and fair integration.

As AI in automotive continues to evolve, its prospect of innovating manufacturing processes, enriching vehicle safety, and redefining vehicles looms large, marking a new age for the industry.

AI Transforming Customer Interactions

Enhancing Customer Experiences with AI in Automotive

AI in automotive is revolutionizing vehicle technology and transforming consumer interactions with automotive brands. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants, equipped with natural language processing, provide personalized customer journeys, adapt to individual preferences, and deliver tailored vehicle recommendations with efficiency and sophistication.

Predictive Excellence in Vehicle Maintenance

The implementation of AI in automotive diagnostics elevates the traditional maintenance routine. Predictive maintenance, powered by AI in automobile, allows for real-time monitoring and assessment, predicting potential issues before they become problematic. This streamlines vehicle upkeep and significantly enhances the customer's peace of mind and trust in automotive services.

Personalization in Automotive Insurance with AI

AI in smart cars and telematics is revolutionizing the insurance landscape by enabling personalized policy premiums. AI automotive technologies assess individual driving behaviors, allowing for adjustments in insurance rates that reflect the driver's risk profile. Here, marketing automation and sales automation with AI can transform the customer journey in automotive sales and marketing. This dynamic pricing model incentivizes safer driving and aligns insurance costs more closely with vehicle use and risk. 

AI-Driven After-Sales Services

Leveraging AI in automotive transforms after-sales service into a proactive, data-driven excellence model. AI-driven analytics anticipate maintenance schedules and customer needs, ensuring high vehicle availability and satisfaction. AI's role in transforming automotive after-sales strategies lies in its ability to analyze data and predict the most opportune times for vehicle servicing, vastly improving the ownership experience.

Proactive Customer Engagement via AI

AI in automotive is reshaping CRM systems, allowing brands to engage with customers meaningfully and personally. Analyzing customer behavior and preferences, AI in cars today crafts targeted communications and offers, fostering brand loyalty and enhancing the customer experience at every touchpoint.

Reinventing Customer Support with AI

In customer support, AI in automotive sets unprecedented standards for responsiveness and personalization. AI-powered systems offer instant, round-the-clock assistance, revolutionizing customer service in the automotive sector. The immediate and relevant support AI provides in automobile systems ensures that customer inquiries and issues are addressed efficiently, significantly improving overall customer satisfaction.

In the journey from car selection to the after-care experience, AI in automotive is not just an added feature—it's a central player in redefining customer expectations and experiences. AI's role in transforming automotive interactions marks a new era in consumer engagement, where every touchpoint is an opportunity to enhance satisfaction and deepen brand loyalty. 

Addressing AI's Complexities in Automotive Innovation

Navigating Through Multi-faceted Challenges

• Prioritizing Data Privacy and Security: In the era of AI automotive, protecting personal data collected through advanced vehicular technologies takes center stage. The industry must enforce stringent data protection protocols and secure explicit consent from users, ensuring the privacy and security of the data harnessed from vehicles. Addressing these privacy concerns is paramount to fostering trust and confidence among users regarding AI in automotive.
• Bolstering Cybersecurity Measures: The start of AI in automobiles highlights vulnerabilities to cyber threats such as hacking, malware, and unauthorized data breaches. Strengthening the cybersecurity framework of AI-driven vehicles through state-of-the-art encryption, rigorous network security measures, and consistent software updates is crucial to shielding these advanced systems from cyber risks.
• Guaranteeing Safety in Autonomous Navigation: Ensuring AI's unwavering safety and reliability in cars today, especially in autonomous vehicles, presents a complex challenge. The unpredictable nature of road conditions and potential system anomalies demands an unwavering commitment to comprehensive testing, validation, and ongoing refinement of AI systems to safeguard passengers and road users.

Strategic Tracks to Addressing AI Challenges

• Engagement with Regulatory Authorities: Developing a collaborative alliance with regulatory bodies is vital for setting the foundation of standards and norms governing the use of AI in automotive. Such partnerships facilitate the crafting of transparent regulatory frameworks that guide the ethical and responsible deployment of AI technologies in the automotive sector.
• Commitment to Continuous AI Evolution: The dynamic nature of AI in automobiles necessitates perpetual training and enhancement of AI models to refine their performance and safety capabilities. Investing in expansive training datasets, simulated driving environments, and exhaustive real-world testing regimes is essential for evolving AI systems to navigate the complex tapestry of global driving scenarios.
• Adoption of Ethical AI Principles: Specifying and adhering to ethical AI frameworks within the automotive industry underscores a commitment to responsible AI utilization. By emphasizing core values such as transparency, accountability, and the mitigation of bias, the industry can navigate ethical difficulties and ensure that AI in automotive aligns with broader societal and moral standards.

By proactively addressing these multifaceted challenges, the automotive industry is paving the path for a tomorrow where AI in automotive not only revolutionizes mobility but does so with an uncompromising commitment to ethics, safety, and societal well-being. The journey towards integrating AI into the automotive fabric is fraught with obstacles. Yet, with strategic foresight and ethical rigor, the industry is set to redefine the essence of mobility, making it safer, more efficient, and universally accessible.

Trends of the Next Era in Automotive Excellence

The Vanguard of AI in Driving the Automotive Evolution

• Empowering Electric Vehicles with AI: AI's imperative role in automotive extends significantly to electric vehicles (EVs), promising to improve their ecosystem drastically. AI's proficiency in optimizing battery lifespan and enhancing energy management systems is pivotal. Electric cars can intelligently adjust to diverse driving scenarios and individual preferences by harnessing AI-powered analytics, offering an optimized and adaptive driving journey. This meets and exceeds environmental goals set for the future, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between AI in automotive and sustainable mobility.
• Enhancing Connectivity with V2X Technologies: The dialogue between vehicles and their environment is revolutionizing the automotive sphere, courtesy of AI in automotive. By leading the charge in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, AI enables vehicles to interact seamlessly with their surroundings. This AI-facilitated communication is critical to optimizing traffic flow, improving road safety, and setting the stage for autonomous cars, transforming how vehicles perceive and interact with the world around them.
• Redefining Design and Personalization with AI: The integration of AI in automotive is ushering in a new era of vehicle design and customization. Manufacturers are exploring unprecedented design opportunities by leveraging generative AI, prioritizing performance, aesthetic appeal, and environmental sustainability. AI also introduces a customized vehicle personalization process, enabling consumers to design their vehicles to their preferences, thus revolutionizing the traditional automotive purchasing experience.

Laying the Bases for Business Innovation

• Investing in AI Research and Development: In the automotive domain, investing in AI research and development transcends strategy—it's an essential pillar for maintaining industry leadership. This commitment involves financial resources and developing a workforce proficient in AI and machine learning technologies. Such an investment ensures automotive companies stay at the forefront of technological advancements.
• Fostering Strategic Partnerships: The journey toward mastering AI in automotive is a collaborative venture. Establishing strategic alliances with technology companies, academic institutions, and industry pioneers enables firms to tap into external expertise and innovative technologies. This collaborative ecosystem is instrumental in accelerating the development of AI-driven solutions in the automotive sector, paving the way for breakthroughs that redefine mobility.
• Cultivating an Innovative Corporate Culture: The transformative impact of AI in automotive can only be fully leveraged within an innovative corporate culture. Promoting a culture of perpetual learning, experimentation, and receptiveness to new ideas is crucial. Such an environment encourages teams to explore AI's potential creatively and effectively, leading to innovative solutions that respond to current trends and anticipate future demands.

Assuming AI technologies and a strategic focus on innovation and collaboration are paramount for companies aiming to spearhead the intelligent mobility course. By staying abreast of AI advancements and nurturing a forward-looking corporate culture, the automotive industry is well-positioned to navigate the challenges ahead, driving toward a future where technology enhances the human driving experience in profound ways. It heralded a new age of eco-conscious and personalized mobility solutions, making it a linchpin in the journey towards a more sustainable and connected world.

Advantages of AI in the Automotive Industry

AI Enhances Safety in the Automotive Sector

One of the most critical contributions of AI in automotive is its role in augmenting vehicle safety. Advanced AI applications, including collision avoidance and lane-keeping assistance, serve as vigilant co-pilots, enhancing driver awareness and intervention capabilities. Through the rapid processing of sensor and camera data, AI in automotive interprets complex road situations, offering real-time alerts and actions to prevent accidents, safeguarding lives, and reducing the incidence of road mishaps.

The Role of AI in Elevating Driving Efficiency

AI's influence extends to elevating driving efficiency, a cornerstone for the future of mobility. Leveraging AI in automotive, specifically through autonomous driving technologies and AI-based navigation systems, significantly reduces fuel consumption, alleviates traffic congestion, and ensures a smoother flow of vehicles. AI's predictive capabilities suggest the most efficient routes and adjust driving parameters for optimal performance, ushering in an era of intelligent, efficient travel.

Streamlining Manufacturing with AI

In car manufacturing, AI in automotive acts as a catalyst for efficiency and reliability. AI-driven predictive maintenance predicts equipment failures before they occur, drastically reducing downtime and bolstering manufacturing continuity. The intelligence embedded in AI automotive diagnostics tools allows for a proactive approach to maintenance, ensuring machinery and production lines operate at peak efficiency, reflecting AI's pivotal role in optimizing automotive manufacturing processes.

Personalizing the Automotive Customer Journey

AI's versatility shines in creating bespoke customer experiences, a testament to its transformative power in the automotive sector. From virtual assistants that guide buyers through the vehicle selection process to AI-powered recommendation engines that customize insurance offers, AI in automotive stands at the forefront of personalizing the customer journey. This tailored approach, rooted in AI's deep learning capabilities, ensures that every interaction and transaction is aligned with individual preferences and needs, setting a new standard for customer engagement in the automotive industry.

Advancing V2X Communication Through AI

The advent of AI in smart cars has been instrumental in advancing Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication, a critical component for the future of autonomous and connected vehicles. AI in automotive facilitates a seamless flow of information between vehicles, infrastructure, and other connected entities, enhancing road safety, traffic management, and driving efficiency. This intelligent communication network, powered by AI, lays the foundation for a connected automotive ecosystem where information exchange is instantaneous, and decisions are data-driven, epitomizing the future of intelligent mobility.

The infusion of AI in automotive is not merely an enhancement but a revolution, charting a new course for the industry. From AI in car manufacturing to the deployment of AI in cars today, its applications are vast and impactful. As AI continues to evolve, its integration within the automotive sector promises to address current challenges and reimagine what is possible on the roads of tomorrow.

AI in the Manufacturing Process

AI Drives Innovations in Car Manufacturing

AI in automotive manufacturing is a beacon of progress at the core of automotive evolution, enhancing operational efficiency and product quality. By incorporating AI in car manufacturing processes, industry leaders are optimizing production lines and setting new standards for automotive excellence. 

Predictive Maintenance Powered by AI in Automotive

Implementing AI in automotive diagnostics and maintenance heralds a new era of efficiency. Through AI automotive diagnostics, predictive maintenance utilizes data analytics to foresee machinery malfunctions, drastically cutting downtime and maintenance costs. AI in automotive manufacturing enables a proactive approach, ensuring the smooth operation of production lines with minimal interruptions, a testament to the strategic application of AI in automotive.

Elevating Quality Control with AI in Automotive

AI in automotive plays a crucial role in maintaining impeccable quality standards. Leveraging AI in automobile manufacturing for quality control transforms traditional inspection into a dynamic, real-time error detection system. AI in automotive leverages machine learning algorithms for scrutinizing images and sensor data, pinpointing defects with unparalleled accuracy. This meticulous approach to quality assurance underscores the value of AI in automotive in upholding product excellence.

Adaptive Manufacturing Through AI in Automotive

The agility of AI in automotive manufacturing processes marks a significant leap toward adaptable production. AI in automotive adapts manufacturing operations to meet fluctuating demands and market trends, demonstrating the flexibility of AI in car manufacturing. This adaptive capacity of AI in automotive showcases how real-time data and analytics can tailor production to align with consumer preferences and market dynamics, exemplifying the transformative power of AI in automotive.

Collaboration Between Humans and Robots Enhanced by AI in Automotive

AI in automotive is bridging the gap between human ingenuity and robotic precision. In AI automotive, collaborative robots (cobots) work alongside human counterparts, enhancing productivity and safety. This synergy between humans and AI in automotive robots illustrates the cooperative potential of AI in automotive, where cobots undertake repetitive tasks, allowing humans to focus on complex problem-solving and creative endeavors, marking a new chapter in AI automotive innovation.

In essence, AI in automotive is not just an auxiliary tool but a fundamental force driving the automotive industry towards a future of intelligent manufacturing, enhanced safety, and unparalleled customer experience. From AI in car manufacturing to AI in cars today, the spectrum of AI's applications is vast and impactful. As AI continues to evolve, its integration into the automotive promises not just to meet current challenges but to redefine the fabric of the automotive industry. With AI in automotive, the journey ahead is not just about reaching destinations but transforming the very experience of mobility.

Adopting AI in Automotive

In an era where technology perpetually reshapes the contours of the automotive landscape, implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands out as a beacon of transformative power. AI in automotive is not just an ancillary technology—it is the engine driving innovation, operational efficiency, and unparalleled customer satisfaction across this dynamic industry. With its ability to enhance vehicle safety, streamline driving efficiency, and revolutionize manufacturing processes and customer interactions, AI is irrevocably altering the trajectory toward the future of mobility.

AI-Driven Manufacturing Excellence

At the heart of AI in automotive manufacturing, predictive maintenance systems powered by AI are revolutionizing how equipment performance is optimized, marking a significant leap toward minimizing downtime and ensuring consistent production quality. Enhanced by AI, quality control mechanisms promise the delivery of superior products and herald a new era of manufacturing precision. Adopting process optimization and adaptive manufacturing techniques, underpinned by AI, offers manufacturers the agility to adapt to evolving market demands swiftly, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve in the competitive landscape of AI in car manufacturing.

AI in Automotive: The Road Ahead

As we delve into the intricacies of AI in automobiles and explore the realms of AI automotive diagnostics, it becomes clear that the future of AI in cars today and in smart cars is luminous with potential. The integration of assistance systems powered by car AI, alongside the advancements in delivery services and driver assistance, underscores the role of generative AI in redefining what is possible. The march towards AI and automotive intelligence is not just about enhancing self-driving vehicles; it's about reimagining the entire supply chain and transforming automotive experiences in previously unimagined ways.

Join the AI Revolution with DATAFOREST

Integrating AI in the automotive industry is fraught with challenges and opportunities. As we stand on the brink of this technological revolution, the invitation to collaborate with DATAFOREST represents more than just a partnership; it is a call to arms in shaping the future of automotive innovation. Explore our comprehensive Services to unlock the full potential of AI in automotive, and join us in steering the industry towards a future marked by efficiency, sustainability, and unprecedented customer experiences. Let's drive the change together, transforming visions into reality.

Discover more about our pioneering role in this innovative field, delve into our About Us page, be inspired by our Success stories, stay informed with our Blog, and reach out through our Contacts page. The road ahead is paved with possibilities—embark on this journey with DATAFOREST, and let's redefine the essence of mobility through the power of AI in automotive.

FAQ

In what instances has artificial intelligence been utilized within the automotive industry?

The application of AI in automotive spans a broad spectrum, from advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and self-driving vehicles to AI in car manufacturing and supply chain optimization. AI automotive diagnostics tools represent a leap forward in identifying and addressing vehicle issues with precision and speed. Today, AI in cars manifests through sophisticated features such as predictive maintenance, enhanced navigation, and personalized in-car experiences, marking a significant leap toward creating more intelligent, more responsive vehicles. This shift not only underscores AI's role in improving vehicle functionality but also highlights its potential in shaping the future of mobility.

How can AI improve the energy efficiency of vehicles, especially in the context of electric vehicles (EVs)?

AI in automotive plays a pivotal role in advancing the energy efficiency of vehicles, particularly electric vehicles (EVs). Through intelligent algorithms, AI optimizes battery usage and driving patterns, significantly extending the range of EVs. This optimization is critical in mitigating range anxiety among EV users accelerating the adoption of cleaner, more sustainable transportation options. Furthermore, AI's ability to analyze vast datasets enables vehicle performance prediction under various conditions, ensuring optimal energy utilization and contributing to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

How does AI facilitate better decision-making in automotive manufacturing and supply chain management?

In automotive manufacturing and supply chain management, AI emerges as a game-changer. By integrating AI in automobile production lines, manufacturers achieve unprecedented precision and efficiency, reducing waste and enhancing product quality. AI in car manufacturing facilitates real-time monitoring and predictive analytics, allowing for proactive adjustments and minimizing downtime. Moreover, AI's role extends to optimizing the supply chain, ensuring timely delivery of parts and materials, and enhancing the overall resilience of the production ecosystem.

What are the disadvantages of AI in cars?

Despite its numerous advantages, AI in automotive has its challenges. Concerns surrounding data privacy, cybersecurity, and the ethical implications of autonomous decision-making in self-driving vehicles are paramount. Additionally, the reliance on AI in cars today necessitates robust frameworks to ensure the safety and reliability of AI systems, addressing potential vulnerabilities that could compromise user safety.

What is the role of AI in the automotive industry?

AI's influence in the automotive sector is profound, driving innovations across vehicle design, manufacturing, and operation. The role of AI in the automotive industry extends beyond mere technological enhancement, fostering a new era of intelligent mobility solutions. From AI automotive to AI in smart cars, the integration of AI paves the way for more sustainable, efficient, and safer transportation systems, heralding a new chapter in automotive evolution.

How has AI changed the car industry?

AI has radically transformed the car industry, heralding a new era of innovation and efficiency. AI's impact is pervasive and undeniable, from revolutionizing car manufacturing processes with AI to enhancing the driving experience through advanced assistance systems. This transformation signifies a technological leap and reflects a broader shift towards more intelligent, interconnected, and sustainable automotive solutions.

How does AI enhance safety and security in cars?

One of the most significant contributions of AI in automotive is its role in enhancing vehicle safety and security. Through advanced driver assistance and predictive analytics, AI drastically reduces the risk of accidents, ensuring a safer driving environment. Furthermore, AI's capabilities in monitoring vehicle health and detecting potential threats in real-time contribute to a more secure and reliable automotive experience, epitomizing AI's invaluable role in safeguarding lives on the road.