Brett Smith

Brett Smith is a renowned expert on the automotive industry who has dedicated his career to researching and analyzing critical aspects of the sector. With over 30 years of experience, Smith has conducted extensive research on manufacturing, product development, materials forecasting, supplier-manufacturer relations, technology, talent recruitment, and facility location analysis. Smith is particularly interested in advanced powertrain technologies, having led various reports and technology forecasts in this field. He is currently chair of the Advanced Powertrain Thought Leadership Roundtable and has been involved in researching greenhouse gas and fuel economy regulation implications.

Smith joined the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) in 2000 after spending 12 years at the University of Michigan’s Office for the Study of Automotive Transportation (OSAT). At CAR, Smith has held several positions, including Director of Technology, Director of Propulsion Technologies and Energy Infrastructure, and Researcher in Manufacturing, Engineering, and Technology. He is currently Director of Technology and is responsible for leading CAR's technology-related research initiatives. In 2012, Smith also became Co-Director Strategy of the CAR Management Briefing Seminars, where he guides strategic planning for CAR's conference activities.

Smith studied Economics and earned his MBA at Eastern Michigan University. In addition to his academic credentials and research expertise, Smith has been involved in labor education for 15 years and has conducted several research projects for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).