January 12, 2005
January 12, 2005
Auto Show Symposium Showcases State's High-Tech Future
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today highlighted Michigan's reputation as the nation's leader in automotive research and development, noting that the automobile industry is a critical part of Michigan's economy, and we must build on it in the years to come.
Granholm made her comments before a symposium of automotive OEM executives at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit where more than 500 registrants focused on "2020: Future Visions of Tomorrow's Automobile" sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
"Michigan is a global center for both halves of the automotive equation - research and production," Granholm said. "In the future, it's that high-tech research and development that will fuel not just the nation's auto industry, but the growth of Michigan's economy as well."
With a powerful "automotive brawn and brains" message, Granholm noted that Michigan has more than 700 auto suppliers, 23 percent of total U.S. vehicle production, 19 vehicle assembly plants, and employs more than 60,000 automotive professionals statewide. The state ranks first nationally in automotive R&D spending with over $10 billion invested annually - nearly five times as much as second-place California.
Granholm explained that as the automotive industry continues to expand into new, high-tech fields, Michigan is perfectly poised to capitalize on that growth.
"What many people don't realize is that many of the technologies we are creating for the automotive industry have great overlap in other emerging sectors of the economy, and vice-versa" Granholm said. The Governor noted that the automotive industry is the leading producer and consumer of 21st century "enabling" technologies that cross a multitude of sectors and that those technologies will not only influence the features of tomorrow's automobiles, but will have applications that affect other areas of our lives as well.
"Imagine a nano-technology application that permits an automaker to install stain-proof fabric seats in a family mini-van," Granholm exhorted.
The symposium addressed such topics as alternative fuels and powertrains, telematics and advanced safety innovations, and featured the following OEM executives:
At a global gathering of top automotive executives in Traverse City last August, Granholm outlined a new, six-point strategy to increase automotive production and R&D jobs in Michigan. This strategy is a key part of her vision to grow Michigan's economy into a 21st century powerhouse.
The Governor's first overseas business trip was a November investment mission to encourage German automotive companies to invest and create new jobs in Michigan. As a result of the mission, the Governor was able to announce four German company investments in Michigan totaling more than $27 million and creating nearly 200 new Michigan jobs.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), a partnership between the state and local communities, promotes smart economic growth by developing strategies and providing services to create and retain good jobs and a high quality of life. For more information on MEDC initiatives and programs, visit the Web site at www.michigan.org.
