Investor Directory Join MICHauto

“MICHauto was the first statewide program to highlight the importance of connected vehicles and next-generation autonomous vehicles,” said Sandy Baruah, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, during the 2019 MICHauto Annual Meeting on Tuesday, March 26 at the Detroit Athletic Club.

Baruah noted collaboration between the business, government, and education communities as a cornerstone for bolstering Michigan’s position as a global force in the industry and announced a more than half a million dollar Chamber investment to support the program’s statewide expansion and branding efforts.

Glenn Stevens, executive director of MICHauto and vice president of Automotive and Mobility Initiatives at the Chamber, followed with MICHauto’s strategic vision rooted in talent, policy, awareness, and next-generation mobility. Stevens outlined the program’s path forward as a key component toward reaching economic prosperity in Michigan.

“Many of us have heard for many years that we need to diversify away from the auto industry,” Stevens said. “We would argue that the greatest platform we have for diversification is the auto industry.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View Baruah and Stevens’s slides from their presentations here.

Takeaways

  • MICHauto unveiled the 2019 Michigan Is Automobility Report. From Michigan’s global impact and talent pipeline to education initiatives and legislative updates, the report offers updates and detailed data on Michigan’s evolving automotive ecosystem. Download the full report.
  • In a keynote address, Magna International’s Jim Tobin discussed the innovative future of mobility and how Michigan can be a leader. From building the next-generation talent pool with career-ready educational programming to upskilling existing employees, the future of the automotive industry will rely on communication, coordination, and cooperation between stakeholders. Read more.
  • In a panel discussion with New Economy Initiative’s Pamela Lewis, Magna International’s Jim Tobin, and Ford X’s Kristin Welch, The Detroit News’ Daniel Howes moderated a timely conversation on the intersection between the traditional automotive industry and startup culture, leveraging Michigan’s robust mobility assets to drive job access, and drawing out-of-state and local talent. Read more. 
  • Mark Montone, executive director of business development for Lacks Enterprises Inc., was awarded MICHauto’s 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award in recognition of his long-standing support of MICHauto initiatives and his active presence in the automotive industry.