Gov. Whitmer Signs Executive Directive and Order at 2020 MICHauto Summit

Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made history at the 2020 MICHauto Summit when she shared her plan for ensuring Michigan’s leadership in the global automotive and mobility industry. On the hood of an Argo AI autonomous Ford Fusion, the governor signed two measures – an Executive Directive to create the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and designate a Chief Mobility Officer to head the office, and an Executive Order to create the Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification. This announcement follows the state’s success over the past year in creating 11,000 new automotive jobs, more than any other state.

“These executive orders will help us build on the success that we’ve seen in the automotive and mobility sectors this past year,” said Gov. Whitmer. “I’m excited to work with leaders in the Office of Future Mobility to build on the progress we’ve seen in the last year and cement our status as a hub for innovation and opportunity in the automotive sector.”

The Detroit Regional Chamber and MICHauto played a key role in working with Gov. Whitmer’s administration to shape an agenda for the future of mobility together. The initiatives amplified their automotive and mobility advocacy efforts last year by investing in a full-time staff member dedicated to focusing on industry issues. MICHauto also expanded its partnership with the Michigan Legislative Automotive Caucus and together established a shared policy agenda for the industry.

“Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and MICHauto are aligned on a vision to shape Michigan’s mobility future. MICHauto is honored to be a key partner to Gov. Whitmer’s administration in executing the executive actions taken today,” said Glenn Stevens Jr., executive director of MICHauto. “I look forward to ongoing collaboration with the governor, The Michigan Council for Future Mobility and Electrification, the Michigan Legislative Automotive Caucus, and industry stakeholders to ensure Michigan leads the mobility revolution.”

Additionally, Gov. Whitmer highlighted the efforts of General Motors Co., Ford Motor Company, and FCA US LLC, all investing billions in Detroit. GM and FCA’s new automotive plants and Ford’s Corktown campus will together create thousands of automotive and mobility jobs in the coming years.

“These are exciting investments happening here in Michigan because of the incredible assets that we have,” said Gov. Whitmer. “I am acknowledging these phenomenal investments and the work that’s happening in the mobility space to announce that we are going to continue moving forward and keep our foot on the gas.”