A veteran automotive analyst, now with his own company, says the “freshest” vehicle offerings will determine which automakers perform the best amid industry shifts.
John Murphy, formerly auto analyst with Bank of America, this week came out with his initial Murphy Automotive Pipeline report.
At BofA, Murphy issued an annual “Car Wars” report, the last of which came out in June 2025. That report was a highlight for the automotive press. Murphy worked at BofA for more than 20 years.
A preview of the new Murphy Automotive Partners report was unveiled on Thursday at an Automotive Press Association event in Detroit.
The new report was referred to as “Survival of the Freshest.” Murphy said that vehicles, rather than “propulsion hype” will determine the winners among automakers, according to a statement. The complete report will be available to subscribers in late July.
“The next five years aren’t about who has the most hyped concept, they’re about who actually shows up with the freshest product portfolio after the worst drought in history,” Murphy said in a statement. “Some of the most familiar names in the industry are closer to the edge than the market realizes.”
The administration of President Joseph Biden (2021-2025) heavily promoted electric vehicles. Companies responded by announcing ambitious plans for new EVs. The second administration of President Donald Trump has shut down that emphasis.
The new Murphy report says “that product, not propulsion type” will decide the winners, a Murphy Automotive Partners statement said.
According to Murphy, gasoline-electric hybrids are expanding while pure EVs are stalling. Murphy, in the statement, said hybrids are “a durable solution.”
The new report comes amid a global auto industry going off in different directions. China is pushing EVs and is seeking to expand into Europe and other markets. Europe is more open to EVs than the Trump administration.
What’s more, the Chinese industry has taken the lead in bringing new vehicles to market faster than established automakers in North America, Asia, and Europe.
