MichAuto > State of Automobility

State of Automobility

updated SOA Best in Show Header

On Dec. 10, 2025, MichAuto unveiled its State of Automobility report during its annual State of Industry event, offering the latest insights into Michigan’s role in the global automotive landscape, including an analysis of the industry‘s strengths and weaknesses.

With Michigan’s signature industry undergoing rapid transformation, from tariffs and shifting fuel economy standards to the accelerated growth of global competitors, the message is clear: Michigan cannot expect to win the future of the industry through legacy alone.

In response, MichAuto has identified the forces of change shaping its future, identifying both weaknesses that threaten global leadership and strengths that reinforce it. From this, key steps have been outlined to maintain and strengthen the state’s position as a leader in automotive and mobility innovation and help businesses navigate the rapidly changing environment.

View the 2025 State of Automobility Report

MichAuto Earns National “Best in Show” Recognition for State of Automobility Report

Featured Web (40)

In July 2026, the Detroit Regional Chamber was recognized with a 2026 Award for Communications Excellence Best in Show honor from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) for its 2025 MichAuto State of Automobility report.

Each year, ACCE’s Awards for Communications Excellence program recognizes outstanding communications and marketing initiatives from chambers of commerce across the country. In June 2026, MichAuto’s 2025 State of Automobility Report was named one of 12 Communications Award of Excellence winners by the ACCE for its 2025 MichAuto State of Automobility report, with three entries earning the prestigious Best in Show distinction.

The national recognition underscores MichAuto’s ongoing commitment to advancing Michigan’s automotive and mobility leadership through research, thought leadership, and strategic communications that inform and inspire action.

Michigan: The Auto Capital of the World

  • 25 Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have headquarters or technology centers in Michigan.
  • More than 1.2 million jobs are either directly or indirectly tied to the industry, totaling 20% of Michigan’s private-sector jobs.
  • The automotive and mobility industry contributes $348 billion to Michigan’s economy annually.
  • 96 of the top 100 automotive suppliers to North America have a presence in Michigan, and 60 are headquartered here.
  • Michigan is the #1 exporter of transportation equipment in the U.S.

Highly Skilled, Competitive Workforce

Michigan Ranks #1 in the Employment and Concentration of:

  • Mechanical Engineers: 32,580 = 4x National Average
  • Industrial Engineers: 27,640 = 3x National Average
  • Tool and Die Makers: 9,000 = 5x National Average
  • Mechanical Engineering Technologist and Technicians: 7,400 = 7x National Average
  • Model Makers, Metal, and Plastics: 720 = 9x National Average

Automotive Manufacturing Jobs:

  • #1 in the nation for automotive manufacturing jobs
  • 181,447 automotive manufacturing jobs in 2025
  • 6x higher than the national average
  • Over 1.2 million jobs are tied to the industry, representing almost 20% of Michigan employment.

Report Archives

Michigan is Automobility 2018 Report Michigan is Automobility 2018 Report Michigan is Automobility 2021 Report Michigan is Automobility 2021 Report

2024 Detroit Auto Show Auto Caucus Reception Feature

Let’s build Michigan’s automotive and mobility future together.

Join the only statewide association that is promoting, retaining, and growing our signature industry.

Join Today