February 23, 2026
Automotive management students predict the future of the automotive industry
The future of the automotive industry is on the minds of Ferris State University Automotive Management students, who see technology, consumer demand and government policy reshaping the road ahead.
Sean Janda, a junior in automotive management and president of the Automotive Management Student Organization, said the next five years will be defined by the push toward electric vehicles.
“Mainly with advancements in battery technology, charging infrastructure and government policy,” Janda said.
Looking ahead 10 years, he expects to see a diverse market that includes not only electric vehicles but also hydrogen and other alternative fuels.
Janda said Ferris State’s Automotive Management courses give him the confidence to keep pace with change.
“They not only give me an understanding of how the industry is evolving but also push me to think critically, adapt to new ideas and work with others,” he said.
While many students see electric vehicles as the center of the industry’s evolution, others predict hybrid technology will be the bigger story.
Darren Sobels, a senior with more than 36 years of automotive industry experience, said hybrid-electric vehicles are gaining traction because of consumer hesitation around electric-only models.
“The U.S. consumers have clearly shown by their buying power that they are not confident EVs will meet their needs,” Sobels said. “OEMs are currently beginning to add models with this technology. Is HEV the best of both worlds? Time and the consumer will answer this.”
Sobels pointed out that history has shown the industry will adapt to economic and political challenges, from fuel shortages in the 1970s to tariff pressures today. He said Ferris State’s curriculum is helping students understand propulsion technologies and the consumer behaviors that shape demand.
For students like Alex Mayville, who plans to graduate in 2026, electric vehicles are still expected to lead the industry’s future. “I do think there will be a big shift toward the electric vehicle later down in the industry, with more technology involved with every new vehicle coming out each year,” Mayville said.
Ferris State’s Automotive program, which includes training for careers as managers and technicians, is one of the largest in the state. The university continues to prepare students to work with internal combustion engines as well as sustainable transportation.
From alternative fuels to consumer-driven shifts, Automotive Management students are preparing to lead in a field where change is certain. As Janda put it, the blend of business knowledge and technical understanding from Ferris is what will drive the next generation of industry leaders.