Open Road Auto Group President and CEO Michael Morais P '22, '24, '26, Visits MBS to Speak with Economics Class and BFI Club

Morristown Beard School recently welcomed Michael Morais P ‘22, '24, '26, President and CEO of Open Road Auto Group, to campus for a special discussion with students from Ricky Kamil’s P ‘15, Principles of Economics class and the Business, Finance, and Investment (BFI) Club.

With years of executive experience in one of the largest and most successful auto groups in the Northeast, Mr. Morais offered students a rare inside look at the economic forces shaping the automotive industry. His visit provided an invaluable real-world connection to the topics students have been exploring in the classroom.

During his talk, Mr. Morais touched on a wide range of timely and relevant issues:

• The Impact of Tariffs on the Auto Industry: He explained how international trade policies, especially tariffs, directly affect pricing, production decisions, and consumer behavior in the auto market. He highlighted the delicate balance auto manufacturers must strike when sourcing parts globally while responding to shifting trade regulations.
   
• Implications of the Recent UK-U.S. Trade Deal: Mr. Morais provided insights into how recent international agreements, such as the evolving trade relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States, could influence supply chains, import/export costs, and long-term planning for global automakers.
   
• The Complexities of Globalization: Students gained a deeper understanding of how globalization has transformed the auto industry. Mr. Morais illustrated the benefits and challenges of operating within a global economy, where production, labor, and distribution often span multiple continents.
   
• The Importance of Collaboration: Emphasizing that no one thrives in isolation — not even major corporations — Mr. Morais discussed how collaboration between departments, manufacturers, dealers, and even competitors can drive innovation and resilience in a competitive market.
   
• The Lasting Effects of the Industrial Shifts of the 1970s and 1980s: Reflecting on the historical backdrop of the modern auto industry, he noted how the industrial restructuring that began in the 1970s and 1980s dramatically changed the landscape. The shift toward automation, outsourcing, and lean manufacturing continues to influence how auto companies operate today.

Mr. Morais brings a wealth of experience to these discussions, having held a variety of leadership positions at Open Road Auto Group since 1998. Over the past two decades, he has served as President, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Vice President, General Manager, and Sales Manager, giving him a comprehensive understanding of both the operational and strategic sides of the industry.

His visit exemplifies Morristown Beard School’s dedication to providing students with meaningful, real-world learning experiences that connect academic concepts to industry insight.