The Spring 2025 Commercial Vehicle Business Summit, held virtually on April 2–3, brought together a vibrant community of OEMs, dealers, fleet managers, and solution providers. Hosted by Work Truck Solutions, the event centered around the theme “Building the Future Together, The Community of Commercial,” emphasizing collaboration, improvement, innovation, and resilience in the commercial vehicle industry.

A Virtual Gathering with Real Impact

The Spring Summit attracted a diverse audience from across the commercial vehicle ecosystem. Attendees engaged in discussions on pressing topics such as electrification, supply chain challenges, and digital transformation. The virtual format facilitated widespread participation, enabling professionals from various sectors to connect, discuss ways to improve operations, and share insights.

Key Themes and Insights

1. Collaboration Across the Ecosystem

A recurring theme was the importance of collaboration among OEMs, dealers, and fleets. In a session titled “How OEMs, Dealers, and Fleets Win Through Collaboration,” John Gough from Element Three highlighted the need for cohesive strategies to address distribution complexities. He noted, “Despite everyone wanting the channel to work, there are still pain points of friction and frustration within the ecosystem.”

2. Embracing Technological Advancements

The Summit spotlighted the transformative role of AI and data in reshaping the industry. In the session “Data and AI: Expressways to the Future,” Kevin Kinell, CTO at Work Truck Solutions, led a panel exploring how these technologies are streamlining everything from vehicle purchasing and fleet management to finance and insurance.

Panelists highlighted real-world applications like predictive maintenance, performance-based lending, and usage-based insurance models, showing how AI is not just a future concept but a present-day game changer. The consensus was clear: to stay competitive in today’s market, embracing these smart, data-driven tools is no longer optional – it’s essential.

3. Navigating Market Uncertainties

Industry leaders addressed the challenges posed by market uncertainties, including tariffs and supply chain disruptions. A Fireside Chat featuring Jim Press and representatives from GM Envolve, Mitsubishi HC Capital America, and Knapheide delved into strategies for maintaining stability and growth amidst these challenges.

Voices from the Summit

Attendees and speakers alike shared valuable perspectives:

• Kathryn Schifferle, Chief Vision Officer and Founder of Work Truck Solutions, reflected on the Summit’s collaborative spirit: “The Commercial Vehicle ecosystem is vastly different from the retail automotive space. B2B sales are all about relationships… we’re in it together, forging the future as a community for the mutual benefit of all.”
• Gregory Skinner, VP Strategic Insights at Escalent, emphasized the importance of adaptability: “Success strategies for the commercial vehicle market during uncertain times involve drawing parallels with the passenger car industry and embracing flexibility.”

Accessing the Summit Content

For those who missed the live sessions or wish to revisit the discussions, all sessions from the Spring 2025 Commercial Vehicle Business Summit are recorded and available for viewing on YouTube: CVB Summit Spring 2025 Playlist.

Looking Ahead

The Spring 2025 Commercial Vehicle Business Summit reaffirmed the industry’s shared commitment to innovation, resilience, and collaborative progress. As challenges around electrification, supply chain dynamics, and customer expectations continue to evolve, the event served as a vital forum for sharing solutions and forging connections that will shape the road ahead.

And the journey doesn’t stop here. Mark your calendars for the next big event: the Fall Commercial Vehicle Business Summit, happening October 8–9, 2025. With fresh perspectives, deeper insights, and a growing community of forward-thinkers, it promises to be another milestone in driving the commercial vehicle industry forward.