‘Beyond the Car’, FISITA’s podcast series, kicks off with a leadership special featuring Mike Anderson and ChangHwan Kim’s reflections on the FISITA Presidency and the evolution of the organisation. By James Scoltock
One of the key events at the FISITA World Mobility Conference is the handover of the FISITA presidency; at the 2025 World Mobility Conference in Barcelona, Mike Anderson, Vice President of Global Battery and Propulsion Engineering at General Motors, handed the baton to ChangHwan Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Battery and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Development at Hyundai Motor Company. A special episode of Beyond the Car, FISITA’s podcast series, recorded on the sidelines of the conference, offers a rare glimpse into the incoming and outgoing FISITA Presidents’ personal journeys, technical expertise, and shared vision for shaping the future of mobility.
Journeys into engineering
Anderson’s career began at General Motors more than three decades ago, fresh from Purdue University. His first project – a carbon fibre vehicle built in collaboration with the Rutan brothers – was designed to achieve 100 miles per gallon at 50 mph, equivalent to 2.35 litres per 100km at 80.5 kph. “I couldn’t believe I was getting paid to work on that kind of technology,” he said. From advanced product engineering to developing four-cylinder engines, Anderson’s career trajectory reflects both technical depth and adaptability, while his passion for computer‑aided engineering, driven by impatience for faster answers, has helped accelerate his career.
A special episode of ‘Beyond the Car’ offers a rare glimpse into the incoming and outgoing FISITA Presidents’ personal journeys, technical expertise, and shared vision for shaping the future of mobility
For Kim, the path was equally diverse. Initially torn between dentistry and engineering, he pursued chemical engineering before completing a PhD in hydrogen fuel cells at the University of Michigan. His early career at GM focused on emissions control, before a move to Hyundai saw him return to Korea. There, his expertise in catalysts and electrochemistry positioned him to lead the company’s battery development centre, later expanding to hydrogen fuel cells. “It was an interesting journey,” he said, “taking care of all the electrification components on the energy solution side, with battery and hydrogen the main two pillars.”
Transitioning technologies
Both leaders emphasised the continuity between combustion and electrification. Anderson drew parallels between thermal management in engines and batteries, noting that many challenges are “foundationally mechanical and industrial.” Kim highlighted the overlap between catalyst chemistry and battery materials, making his transition smoother than expected. Together, they underscored the importance of cross‑disciplinary knowledge in tackling modern propulsion challenges.
But there are also broader changes in automotive engineering that both engineers were enthusiastic to discuss. Anderson championed the “virtualisation of engineering,” where digital twins and simulation accelerate learning and improve first‑time quality. Kim pointed to paradigm shifts in the supply chain, as battery suppliers and semiconductor industries reshape traditional OEM‑Tier 1 dynamics. And both agreed that collaboration across unfamiliar sectors is now essential, with FISITA providing a platform for knowledge exchange.
FISITA reflections
As Anderson looked back on his presidency, he highlighted FISITA’s resilience during COVID‑19, adapting to digital formats while maintaining engagement. Record attendance at the 2023 World Mobility Conference signalled renewed appetite for in‑person collaboration, while initiatives such as the Digital Library, FISITA Connect, and the Expert Group initiative continue to expand the organisation’s reach. “We’ve got to get people together with a purpose,” he said, emphasising the value of structured collaboration.
“We have the core elements that can make an impact, but I feel there is room for improvement where we can bring value to our members” – ChangHwan Kim, President, FISITA
Kim explained that during his presidency, which runs until the 2027 FISITA World Mobility Conference, he aims to continue bringing the global engineering community together, something he’s experienced first-hand. Having initially encountered the organisation at the 2016 FISITA Congress in Busan, he recognised FISITA’s unique role in connecting regional societies and fostering global synergies. And he’s keen to continue extending the organisation’s reach. “We have the core elements that can make an impact, but I feel there is room for improvement where we can bring value to our members,” he said, “because we’re living in a very important time and making a big transition in many ways.”
The full interview is available in Episode 1 of FISITA’s ‘Beyond the Car’ podcast, which can be downloaded from all major podcast platforms; it can also be accessed using the embedded player, below.
To discuss how your organisation can be involved in FISITA’s Beyond the Car podcast, get in touch by emailing the ‘Beyond the Car’ team at [email protected].