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Data: The New Horsepower Driving the Automotive Industry
Mission-Critical Infrastructure for the Mobility Revolution
The automotive industry is transforming—moving from horsepower to data power. Connected, autonomous, and intelligent vehicles are driving unprecedented demand for robust data centers. These facilities are now the digital backbone of modern mobility, supporting everything from real-time diagnostics to AI-assisted engineering.
Autonomous vehicles, in particular, are data intensive. A single self-driving car can generate up to 19 terabytes of data per hour—equivalent to more than 6,000 HD movies. This data must be processed instantly to ensure safety and then stored for future analysis. Supporting this data flow requires robust, high-performance data centers that can handle massive volumes of information in real-time.
Unprecedented Growth and Demand
- U.S. data centers consumed 176 TWh of electricity in 2023 (4.4% of total) projected to reach up to 12% by 2028.
- Global data center capacity is growing at 15% annually, but demand outpaces supply.
- AI technologies, such as NVIDIA’s latest chips, require advanced cooling and more power — up to 300% more than previous models.
Detroit: Leading the Digital Transformation
States like Michigan are at the forefront, with the Detroit Regional Partnership advancing more than 25 industrial sites. Companies are investing in Verified Industrial Properties (VIPs), helping Detroit evolve from Motor City to Mobility Capital of the World.
However, building this infrastructure comes with challenges. The global supply chain for data center components, including servers, cooling systems and construction materials, is vulnerable to tariffs and trade policies. A 25% tariff on imported steel, for example, can significantly increase the cost and timeline of constructing data centers.
Boldt’s Expertise in Mission-Critical Construction
As data center demands continue to surge, experienced builders of mission-critical infrastructure are playing a vital role in meeting the challenge. Constructing high-performance facilities that support continuous operations — whether hyperscale data centers or regional edge sites — requires precision, speed and a strong focus on sustainability. These projects benefit from decades of accumulated expertise in delivering complex, resilient environments that power the digital backbone of modern life.
As AI and autonomous technologies continue to reshape the automotive landscape, data centers are no longer just supporting the industry; they’re driving it. Behind every self-driving car is a storm of data, and behind that data stands a fortress of servers, powering the future of mobility.
Ready to build the future of mobility and AI?
About The Boldt Company
The Boldt Company (Boldt) is a leading professional construction services firm with customers across the United States and is a subsidiary of The Boldt Group. Founded in 1889, Boldt is a fourth-generation family and employee-owned firm headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin. Boldt is recognized as a pioneer in Lean construction and in the industrialized construction space. Boldt operates 18 offices across the U.S. that serve customers in healthcare, power, industrial, education, automotive and commercial markets.
