Michigan’s Labor Market News released findings from the Michigan 2020 Job Vacancy Survey in their March 2021 issue. According to the survey, Michigan’s labor market had 184,000 job vacancies in 2020. The manufacturing industry had the second-lowest job vacancy rate in 2020, meaning there were 2.8 jobs open for every 100 positions filled.
Continue ReadingRobotics Alliance of Macomb, Macomb Intermediate School District, Macomb County Planning and Economic Development, and Square One Education Network came together to offer students the opportunity to build small robotic vehicles at home or in the classroom for the Masters of Mobility: Robots on the Road project.
Continue ReadingIn a move to strengthen the journey among female engineering students, Toyota has partnered with Michigan State University on a mentorship program that builds upon its already strong ties to MSU’s Society of Women Engineers. Learn more.
Continue ReadingPresident Biden outlined a $2 trillion jobs and infrastructure plan on Wednesday, March 31, that would make a significant investment in roads, bridges, telecommunications, and climate change. The American Jobs Plan includes many MICHauto priorities for workforce development, electric vehicle …
Continue ReadingIn response to the Biden administration’s American Jobs Plan, MICHauto Executive Director Glenn Stevens released this statement. “President Biden’s American Jobs Plan represents a transformative investment in Michigan and the United States’ advanced manufacturing and transportation future. MICHauto is broadly …
Continue ReadingKent Anderson is the president of Doerken Coatings North America. MICHauto spoke with Anderson about his priorities and motivations as an automotive executive.
Continue ReadingMark Petroff is the president and chief executive officer of OneMagnify. MICHauto had the chance to speak with Petroff about what attributes he looks for in successful leaders.
Continue ReadingMichigan’s Big Show March 29, 2021 View original article. Listen to “Glenn Stevens, Executive Director of MICHauto and Vice President of Automotive and Mobility Initiatives for the Detroit Regional Chamber” on Spreaker.
Continue ReadingMarch 24, 2021 Detroit Free Press By Adrienne Roberts Nearly one in every five workers in Michigan was either directly or indirectly employed by the mobility industry in 2019, according to a report released Wednesday by the Detroit Regional Chamber’s MICHauto group. The report …
Continue ReadingFirst-of-its-Kind Report Highlights the Mobility Industry’s Economic Impact MICHauto released its 2021 Mobility Industry’s Economic Contribution to Michigan report on Wednesday, March 24, during the State of Automobility event. Glenn Stevens Jr., the executive director for MICHauto, presented key findings from the …
Continue ReadingDennis Hoeg, vice president and North America division president of Nexteer Automotive, was awarded the MICHauto Volunteer of the Year during the 2021 State of Automobility event. Each year MICHauto recognizes one person as its Volunteer of the Year. That person is someone who has consistently demonstrated our mission to promote, retain, and grow the automobility industry across the state of Michigan.
Continue ReadingThe second half of the State of Automobility presentation featured Automotive Tech Talks covering a variety of topics from the future of electrification to the evolution of the workplace.
John McElroy, host of Autoline, provided insights into the automotive industry’s change of pace to remain competitive in the 21st century but focused on the need for Michigan to step up and do its part.
Continue ReadingDuring the 2021, State of Automobility virtual presentation, Glenn Stevens Jr., executive director of MICHauto, and Cheryl Thompson, chief executive officer and founder of the Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion, and Advancement (CADIA) sat down with Lisa Lunsford, chief executive officer and founder of Global Strategic Supply Solutions (GS3) and chair of the MICHauto Board of Directors for a conversation about the newly formed CEO Coalition for Change.
Continue ReadingOn March 24, MICHauto Executive Director, Glenn Stevens Jr., sent a letter to Sean Egan, the deputy director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, who is overseeing Gov. Whitmer’s Return-to-Office Workgroup, regarding the safe return to offices. MICHauto collected industry …
Continue ReadingLearn more about the formation and launch of the MI FAME JAMA Chapter to support industry education and talent efforts.
Continue ReadingAs the State’s only automotive cluster association, MICHauto is known for convening top industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to address challenges and celebrate progress. The 2021 State of Automobility event is no exception and will provide a timely update on …
Continue ReadingIn 2019, MICHauto released the Economic Contribution Study revealing the auto industry’s $225B contributions to the state’s economy. This year, the team will release a new report showcasing the mobility industry’s impact. Learn more.
Continue ReadingFebruary 28, 2021 MiBiz By: Andy Balaskovitz As major automakers and government officials pledge ambitious electric vehicle targets over the coming decade, Michigan’s automotive suppliers are adapting to a business environment that’s swiftly changing yet still firmly rooted in internal …
Continue ReadingMICHauto this week applauded the recent re-introduction of bipartisan hands-free driving legislation in the Michigan House of Representatives as part of an ongoing effort over the past two years to enact updated statute for Michigan’s roadways. MICHauto previously testified in support of similar legislation during the 2019-2020 legislative session.
Continue ReadingOn Feb. 24, Stellantis held a second Voices in Action town hall. Shane Karr, head of external affairs for NAFTA of Stellantis moderated the conversation with Hilary Cain, vice president of technology, innovation and mobility policy at Alliance Automotive Innovation, …
Continue ReadingOn Thursday, Feb. 25, the Detroit Regional Chamber released its annual State of the Region Report at the State of the Region virtual data presentation. The report highlights assets and rankings for the region, the economic impact of COVID-19, and the region’s key industries, including automotive and mobility, through 2020. The automotive and mobility spotlight within the report provides an overview of the industry through key metrics, case studies, and an updated industry footprint.
Continue ReadingA division of Magna International plans to open a facility in the city of St. Clair to build battery enclosures for the 2022 GMC Hummer electric pickup, which will be produced at General Motors’ Factory Zero in Detroit and Hamtramck, …
Continue ReadingJoerg Weisgerber is the chief executive officer of Hella Electronics North and South America. MICHauto had the chance to speak with Weisgerber and hear more about his leadership style and risk management techniques.
Continue ReadingBuilding a strong workforce is critical for any business, but especially for the next generation of automobility as a high-tech, global, and growing industry. Our talent pipeline in the industry and across the state has been challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing numbers of baby boomer retirements, and the rapid rise and continuing development of new advancing technologies. So how we do we promote, retain, and grow our talent pool?
Continue ReadingWilm Uhlenbecker is the president of Brose North America, Inc. MICHauto had the opportunity to talk with Uhlenbecker about his perspective on leadership and how he motivates his team when faced with even the most unpredictable obstacles. When is it …
Continue ReadingOn Tuesday, Feb. 9, the Detroit Economic Club (DEC) hosted Magna International Inc.’s new Chief Executive Officer, Seetarama (Swamy) Kotagiri, to discuss electrification, autonomous driving, and how the auto industry operated during the COVID-19 pandemic. With more than 169,000 employees …
Continue ReadingGlenn Stevens Jr., executive director of MICHauto, and Lisa Lunsford, co-founder and CEO of Global Strategic Supply Solutions (GS3), joined Automotive News’ Steve Schmith on the Daily Drive Podcast to discuss the launch of the CEO Coalition for Change.
Continue ReadingRami Fakhoury is the founder and managing director of Fakhoury Global Immigration. MICHauto had the chance to speak with Fakhoury and hear more about his achievements and motivations.
Continue ReadingOn Monday, Jan. 25, U.S. Rep Debbie Dingell joined MICHauto’s Glenn Stevens Jr. for a candid conversation on what to expect with the incoming Biden administration during a MICHauto Investor Town Hall. A strong advocate for the automotive industry, Dingell shared her background, hometown pride, and dedication to making sure that Michigan is the home for mobility. Read more about this exclusive discussion.
Continue ReadingThe traditional auto show is quickly disappearing. In fact, it may already be gone. Tradition is based on the idea of something being “long-standing.” But very few things stand forever, and they change with time.
Continue ReadingFunds help Michigan employers prepare the talent they need to compete and grow; workers gain skills needed for in-demand career paths LANSING, Mich. – Through $39,015,052 in grants from the Going PRO Talent Fund, Michigan is helping nearly 30,000 workers …
Continue ReadingThe Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has awarded a state transportation economic development grant that will support 2,200 new jobs in the city of Detroit. The grant will help fund infrastructure improvements related to General Motors Co.’s (GM) Factory ZERO …
Continue ReadingJoin MICHauto, in partnership with CADIA, for the CEO Coalition for Change launch event on Jan. 25 at 11:30 a.m. The CEO Coalition for Change is a group of automotive CEOs committed to taking action to make meaningful strides in diversity, equity, and …
Continue ReadingThe MICHauto Automobility Asset Map highlights the automotive and mobility assets throughout the state of Michigan. The map directory of assets is categorized by OEM Headquarters and research and development centers, OEM assembly plants, deployments and proving grounds, mobility assets, top suppliers, entrepreneur resources, component assembly plants, universities, and transportation. Learn more about this interactive resource.
Continue ReadingIn a special convening on Jan.13, MICHauto investor CEOs had an opportunity to connect virtually with Jonathan Jennings, vice president of Global Commodity Purchasing and Supplier Technical Assistance for Ford Motor Company. View a recap of the exclusive conversation.
Continue ReadingJay Sandhu is the chief executive director for NYX, LLC, a market-leading provider of interior, under-hood, and technology solutions for the automotive industry. MICHauto had the chance to speak with Sandhu and hear more about his achievements and motivations.
Continue ReadingIn the past year, we have witnessed more tragedy and triumph than we could have ever imagined. Throughout my career in the automotive industry, I have never seen people and companies do what has …
Continue ReadingLisa Lunsford is the co-founder and CEO of Global Strategic Supply Solutions (GS3), a supply chain integrator providing metal-form manufacturing and light assembly services since 2010. In September, Lunsford was named chair of the MICHauto Board of Directors. MICHauto had the opportunity to speak with Lunsford and hear about her professional accomplishments, inspirations, and more.
Continue ReadingFor the first time in 68 years, the APMA Conference was held virtually Nov. 18-20 to focus on Canada’s renaissance in automotive. Much like neighboring Detroit, Canada is focusing on zero emissions by 2050 and working with OEMs and research partners to progress in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association opened the three-day event by celebrating the recent commitments of Ford Motor Company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and General Motors Co. (GM) to grow the automotive ecosystem and focus on EVs. The 72 industry experts participating in the conference walked through the opportunities, threats, challenges, and aspirations of the sector.
Continue ReadingThe vehicles of yesterday and the new innovations of next-generation mobility have been brought to life through innovative design and manufacturing processes. Today, Industry 4.0 and Mobility go hand in hand – one enabling the other. Walking through today’s engineering and manufacturing centers you will see robots, additive manufacturing, augmented reality, and other cutting-edge technologies. In both the plants and vehicles there are two major common technologies: connectivity of the internet of things and cybersecurity. Today’s data-driven, automated, and extremely connected plants are producing vehicles enabled by tens of millions of lines of code that must be protected by the latest in cybersecurity technology.
Continue ReadingCOVID-19 has had significant negative impacts on Michigan’s economy and workforce. In April 2020, during the first lockdown order, the unemployment rate in Michigan jumped from 4.0% in March 2020 to 23.6%. Rates have slowly decreased to 8.2% in September …
Continue ReadingOn Tuesday, Nov. 17, MICHauto hosted a takeover of the Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion & Advancement’s CADIA Connects series. In the session, Carolyn Sauer, senior director of MICHauto, had the opportunity to virtually sit down with Dennis W. Archer Jr., CEO of Ignition Media Group and president and founding partner of Archer Corporate Services, to discuss the current impact of COVID-19 on small businesses and restaurants, the racial injustice inflection point we are in, and the future of Detroit.
Continue ReadingJoin the session, Why Invest in Partnerships, Nov. 20 at 2:45 p.m. to hear from MICHauto Senior Director Carolyn Sauer during the 2020 APMA Annual Conference. Based in the Windsor-Detroit channel, this panel explores the opportunities that blossom from bi-national partnerships and investments. Listen to mobility experts from Canada and the U.S. discuss the importance of their cross-border relationships.
Continue ReadingMICHauto hosted a virtual town hall with investors featuring guest speakers Ron Fournier, president of Truscott Rossman, and David Palsrok, government policy advisor for Dykema. Fournier and Palsrok shared a review of the post-election automotive impact from the federal and state levels, highlighting several changes to the new legislative body and what can be expected over the short-term. MICHauto’s Executive Director Glenn Stevens Jr. moderated the conversation and Q&A.
Continue ReadingFor over 20 years, Automotive News has been monitoring the progress of women within the automotive industry, naming industry leaders every five years since 2000. This year Automotive News announced their fifth 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry list, featuring female executives from 72 companies. Automotive News chose from hundreds of powerful female executives to select 100 to be named to this year’s list for their exemplary work in the industry, the impact they have had on the health and direction of their businesses, and the arc of their career.
Continue ReadingOn Nov. 12, MICHauto hosted the Detroit Mobility Solutions Coalition, a collaborative effort between stakeholders to provide plans and updates on the mobility ecosystem in Detroit. The group, which was initially formed in December 2016, meets to share plans, events, and actions to advance technology and solutions in the mobility space.
Continue ReadingThe automotive industry finds itself at a defining moment with regard to diversity, equity and inclusion. Our companies’ futures depend on our ability to attract, retain and develop talent. The growth, sustainability and financial well-being of our industry is directly …
Continue Reading“A Biden presidency would likely bring less volatility to the communication process and trade,” said Glenn Stevens, executive director of MICHauto, a division of the Detroit Regional Chamber. “That is something the industry really needs and wants, which is an active line of communication with policymakers and dialogue on an ongoing basis. The industry needs stability because it is a capital-intensive, global business.”
Continue ReadingAs election results continue to roll in, there is no question that our automotive and mobility industry will be impacted. In spite of a few unexpected developments, MICHauto sees that several of our industry voices and strongest advocates will remain for another term, providing the consistency we need to keep moving our state forward.
Continue ReadingNorth American car and truck production came to a halt in April 2020 when manufacturing facilities and plants were forced to shut down due to COVID-19. Production numbers in the North America dropped dramatically from 1,056,117 in March 2020 to …
Continue ReadingOctober 25, 2020 Crain’s Detroit By: Rick Haglund Michigan’s automakers and the hundreds of parts suppliers who support them have a lot riding on the outcome of the Nov. 3 presidential election. Decisions by the next president and Congress on …
Continue ReadingGovernor Gretchen Whitmer today announced the following appointments to the Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification which will work to ensure Michigan continues to be the world leader in future mobility, including autonomous and connected vehicle technology, electric powertrain technology and charging infrastructure, and shared and transit mobility option.
Continue ReadingSince the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain resilience has come into sharp focus for many manufacturing companies. Over the last few months, MICHauto investor Foley has collected insights on supply chain issues to provide guidance on how companies can enhance the assessment of their supply chain’s resilience.
Continue ReadingA leading lineup of automotive industry and education experts discussed the long-term talent impact of COVID-19 on the automotive talent pipeline. The two-part discussion hosted by MICHauto in partnership with the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) focused first on both the industry perspective and the workforce development response.
Continue ReadingMICHauto announced its Board of Directors and new chair, Lisa Lunsford of GS3. Learn more about the new Board and its role in MICHauto.
Continue ReadingView data highlighting the new workplace challenges facing employees and employers across all industries as child care needs evolve.
Continue ReadingAs the automotive industry embraces the future of advanced transportation mobility, the conversation about cybersecurity is increasingly important. At the forefront of the discussion is cybersecurity testing and industry trends for connected, automated, and electrified vehicles. Representatives from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC), the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Netherlands’ Consulate General, the American Center for Mobility, and GRIMM, engaged in a high level discussion on the risks and rewards of advanced transportation mobility and practices to increase the cyber resilience of connected vehicles and the world in which they operate.
Continue ReadingMICHauto’s Senior Director, Carolyn Sauer, recently spoke with Girish Kotagiri, a high school senior who recently completed an internship with one of the state’s top automotive suppliers. Below, read the first-hand account about how industry perception is transforming among the next generation of talent through hands-on experience
Continue ReadingMICHauto’s Director of Government and Community Affairs Jason Puscas provided written testimony today to the Michigan House Government Operations Committee in opposition to House Bill 6233. View the full testimony.
Continue ReadingA new report reveals the middle-skill talent needs for the Connected and Automated Vehicle workforce.
Continue ReadingMICHauto supports the elimination of tariffs imposed last month on Canadian aluminum. Read more about MICHauto’s stance on this win for local automotive and manufacturing.
Continue ReadingFrom Sept. 8-18, MICHauto brought together executives from 12 automotive companies to meet with 28 legislators for 2020 Capitol Conversations: Automotive Impact virtual sessions. Throughout the two weeks of digital meetings, automotive leaders had the opportunity to discuss issues that are critically impacting their companies’ growth, worker safety, and the overall economic health of the industry amid the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Continue ReadingJoin Ford Motor Company and Bamboo Detroit as they bring you local and global experts on mobility, innovation, and startups. Register for the first session scheduled for Sept. 16 on innovation districts.
Continue ReadingMICHauto is taking the industry to Lansing to discuss the issues and concerns created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Several key MICHauto stakeholders will provide testimony to the Joint Select Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic, on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 8:15 a.m. The legislative hearing will be broadcasted on House TV.
Continue ReadingIn partnership with KPMG, MICHauto gathered nearly 50 automotive industry leaders to discuss the transformations underway and how businesses can best adapt. KPMG experts provided best practices from various sectors to help OEMs and suppliers navigate the “new normal,” including supporting employees, expanding partner ecosystems, and finding new ways to engage with customers.
Continue ReadingJoin the MICHauto and Center for Automotive Research (CAR) for an hour-long, two-part discussion on the automotive industry’s economic outlook and analysis of the state’s ongoing efforts to support its recovery. John McElroy, host of “Autoline,” will moderate the discussion.
Continue ReadingRami Fakhoury and Matthew C. Morse Fakhoury Global Immigration What are the current restrictions that are affecting entry into the United States for foreign nationals? There have been a series of Presidential Proclamations this year that have significantly restricted entry …
Continue ReadingRami Fakhoury, founder and managing director of MICHauto investor company Fakhoury Global Immigration USA PC, commented on the issue of immigration policy in a Crain’s Detroit Business op-ed. Read more.
Continue ReadingMichigan’s automotive industry has demonstrated strength and resilience over the past few months. From manufacturing PPE to developing return-to-work playbooks to implementing a spectrum of safety protocols, automotive has established a model for how to adapt and overcome the challenges presented by COVID-19, including the Work Smart, Play Smart campaign.
Continue ReadingThe State of Michigan announced a new project with Cavnue to develop a first-of-its-kind corridor for connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV) linking Detroit to Ann Arbor. This endeavor will focus on creating more accessible, equitable, affordable, and sustainable transit options for the region.
Continue ReadingMICHauto Executive Director Glenn Stevens Jr. released a statement today in response to trade actions by the White House relating to tariffs on imports of Canadian aluminum.
Continue ReadingA recent article in The Detroit News highlighted that over the next four years the automotive industry will face a critical transformation with new innovations and investment in automated vehicle development. MICHauto Executive Director Glenn Stevens Jr. was asked for his analysis of the industry’s future as well as the current outlook amid the ongoing pandemic.
Continue ReadingView the results of the recent COVID-19 Automotive Outlook Flash Survey conducted by MICHauto and partners Dykema and The Right Place.
Continue ReadingA leading lineup of automotive industry experts discussed the economic impact of COVID-19 on automotive and the ongoing work required to help the industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The two-part discussion focused first on the industry perspective and then on the policy response.
Continue ReadingYesterday, MICHauto sent the following letter to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on behalf of the automotive industry. The letter shares with the Governor industry efforts to implement safe practices to keep manufacturing facilities open and operational. View and download the full letter.
Continue ReadingMICHauto and the Detroit Mobility Solutions Coalition hosted its first virtual meeting to discuss equity and inclusion in the mobility sector, bringing a new global startup accelerator to Detroit (Plug and Play), and the state’s new Office of Future Mobility and Electrification.
Continue ReadingMICHauto and the Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion & Advancement (CADIA) are partnering to drive change throughout the automotive industry. A roundtable of 12 automotive CEOs met with Cheryl Thompson and Margaret Baxter of CADIA and Glenn Stevens Jr. and Carolyn Sauer of MICHauto to explore this dialogue.
Continue ReadingJoin the MICHauto and Center for Automotive Research (CAR) for an hour-long, two-part discussion on the automotive industry’s economic outlook and analysis of the state’s ongoing efforts to support its recovery. John McElroy, host of “Autoline,” will moderate the discussion.
Continue ReadingBank of America analyst John Murphy shared with MICHauto stakeholders and industry leaders findings of this year’s Car Wars study. The data depicted disruption in the industry’s trajectory due to COVID-19’s economic impacts.
Continue ReadingThis week, MICHauto Executive Director Glenn Stevens Jr. participated in a conversation hosted by The Right Place with the West Michigan business community about new economic realities amid COVID-19 and the road ahead for the automotive industry.
Continue Reading
