North American International Auto Show .(MP3- 3MB)

Radio Address: Granholm Says North American Auto Shows are About Michigan Jobs

I’ve spent a lot of time talking about our comprehensive plan to diversify Michigan’s economy – especially our “Go Anywhere Do Anything” approach to attracting and growing good-paying jobs in fields like life sciences, homeland security, and alternative energy.

Well, I want to tell you that one of the things we’re also doing as part of our plan is to build on our past successes in the auto industry to create a new, advanced automotive industry right here in Michigan. And you have the opportunity to see a lot of what I’m talking about at the annual North American International Auto Show in Detroit which started last weekend. Then, on January 31, you can get another look at what the auto industry is doing at the Michigan International Auto Show in Grand Rapids.

For instance, you may have heard that this year’s shows will highlight next-generation vehicles that are more fuel-efficient or are powered by alternative energy – vehicles like plug-in hybrids and electric concept cars and trucks. This is exactly the kind of advanced automotive technology that is being developed right here in Michigan.

With more automotive research and development centers located in Michigan than in all of North America combined and more than anywhere else in the world, it is Michigan talent that is engineering, designing, and building the next generation of vehicles.

With all of the concerns about the high price of gas, global warming, and our dependence on foreign oil . . . and with all of the work that we’re doing right now to build our new alternative energy industry . . . it seems especially fitting to me that these next-generation vehicles should be such a big part of the world’s greatest auto shows right here in Michigan.

The bottom line is this: behind all of the glitz, fancy displays, and shiny paint jobs – the auto shows are about Michigan jobs. Whether they are GM cars, Fords, or Chryslers, we’re proud of all of the different vehicles our workers produce and offer to the world. And we’re doubly proud of their continuing commitment to build the best quality vehicles on the road.

There is no doubt that this is a period of great change for the auto industry. But if the vehicles on display in Detroit and Grand Rapids are any indication, Michigan’s new advanced automotive industry is ready to compete and win.

So, if you’re thinking of going to the auto show in Detroit to get a first-hand look, it runs through Sunday, January 27, and the Michigan International Auto Show in Grand Rapids runs January 31 to February 3.

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