Cars are becoming driving computers, giving transportation operators new ways to understand their vehicles, prevent problems, and create a better customer experience.

Philipp Gauss, Vice President / Head of Sales & Marketing Connected Fleet Solutions North America at Bosch USA, joins The Mobility Perspective to discuss how connected vehicle technology is changing fleet operations and the future of mobility. He explores how AI-powered vehicles and predictive maintenance can help operators make better use of vehicle data, protect residual value, and address maintenance before a failure occurs. Philipp also looks ahead at autonomous vehicles, robotaxis, hybrid technology, and the opportunities these changes could create for the rental car industry.

Key takeaways:

• Connected vehicle data can help fleet operators move from emergency repairs to predictive maintenance, reducing disruptions and improving asset management.
• Autonomous vehicles could create new opportunities for rental operators, including using idle fleet vehicles for robotaxi and local transportation services.
• Transportation technology should solve real operational problems, with AI, connectivity, and automation creating the most value when they support clear business needs.

Episode highlights:

(00:00) Meet Philipp Gauss

(00:58) Inside Bosch’s automotive technology footprint

(03:02) Where rental fleets face technology gaps

(05:04) Building fleet technology around operator needs

(07:10) What the AI cockpit means for drivers

(11:49) The shift toward software-defined vehicles

(14:03) Using data to predict vehicle maintenance

(16:11) Where autonomous driving technology stands today

(19:42) Where robotaxis fit into the rental market

(22:23) Inside Bosch’s autonomous vehicle technology

(30:38) Balancing connected vehicles with driver privacy

(34:00) Why industry associations matter for mobility

Resources:

Philipp Gauss on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipp-gauss-1232b0b4/

Explore Bosch USA: https://www.bosch.us/

Don Lefeve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-lefeve/

Carlos Bazan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cabazan/

Sharky Laguana on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharkylaguana/

Explore American Car Rental Association: https://www.acradrivesamerica.org/

Airports are more than just gateways for travelers, they are complex operations that require constant investment, innovation, and adaptation to meet the needs of passengers, communities, and the broader transportation network.

Annie Russo, Chief Political and Congressional Strategy Officer at Airports Council International - North America, joins The Mobility Perspective to discuss her career journey from Capitol Hill to advocating for airports across the country. Annie shares how airports are funded, the growing need for infrastructure investment, and the challenges of modernizing facilities while accommodating evolving passenger trends. She also explores how technology and AI are transforming airport operations, how COVID reshaped travel behaviors, and why collaboration between airports, business partners, and communities is essential to building the future of travel.

Key takeaways:

• Airport modernization requires ongoing investment, with infrastructure improvements helping airports meet growing passenger demand and changing travel patterns.
• Technology and AI are transforming airport operations, enhancing safety, improving efficiency, and supporting the highly skilled workforce behind air travel.
• Strong partnerships between airports, businesses, and communities are essential to creating better passenger experiences and supporting economic growth.

Episode highlights:

(00:00) Meet Annie Russo

(00:51) How Annie Russo came to work at ACI

(02:31) What most people don't know about working on Capitol Hill

(04:00) What she learned moving from Capitol Hill to ACI

(05:32) How airports are actually funded

(13:00) The rental car partnership with airports

(16:40) ACI's priorities for the next FAA reauthorization bill

(21:42) How airports are adopting tech and AI

(24:19) What keeps Annie up at night

(26:42) The craziest story from Annie's airport career

Resources:

Annie Russo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annierusso/

Explore Airports Council International - North America: https://airportscouncil.org/

Don Lefeve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-lefeve/

Carlos Bazan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cabazan/

Sharky Laguana on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharkylaguana/

Explore American Car Rental Association: https://www.acradrivesamerica.org/

The mobility industry is evolving faster than ever, requiring operators to rethink customer experiences, embrace new technology, and find new ways to create value in a changing market.

Ryan Kerzner, senior associate at The Merlin Group, joins The Mobility Perspective to discuss his 25-year journey across car rental, fleet management, EV infrastructure, and mobility innovation. From starting at Budget Rent A Car to helping companies develop go-to-market strategies, Ryan shares how the rental industry has transformed through digital experiences, rideshare disruption, autonomous vehicles, and AI-powered solutions. He also explores what operators need to consider today, including improving profitability through data, navigating EV adoption, preparing for autonomous mobility, and building a differentiated business by finding the right niche in an increasingly competitive market.

Key takeaways:

• Customer experience is the foundation of mobility, with frictionless service and better interactions shaping long term customer loyalty.
• AI and data are helping operators improve efficiency, optimize fleets, and create smarter solutions across the rental industry.
• Independent operators can stay competitive by finding a niche, adapting to change, and creating unique value for customers.

Episode highlights:

(00:00) Meet Ryan Kerzner

(00:58) Ryan Kerzner’s 25 year journey across mobility and fleet

(04:33) Why customer service defines the car rental experience

(05:38) From paper contracts to frictionless digital rentals

(08:16) How Uber and Lyft changed the car rental industry

(10:09) Preparing for autonomous vehicles and the future of mobility

(12:06) Using data to improve profitability and fleet operations

(15:17) How AI is transforming rental operations and customer service

(19:14) The evolving EV market and the future of electric vehicles

(25:51) Finding a niche and competing as an independent rental operator

Resources:

Ryan Kerzner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerzner/

Explore The Merlin Group: https://www.themerlingroup.co/

Don Lefeve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-lefeve/

Carlos Bazan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cabazan/

Sharky Laguana on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharkylaguana/

Explore American Car Rental Association: https://www.acradrivesamerica.org/