October 15, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2010
Governor touts Michigan as global center of auto industry at Paris Auto Show
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm continued her investment mission in Europe today with a visit to the Paris Auto Show, where she met with executives to tout Michigan's place on the forefront of vehicle electrification and advanced battery manufacturing. Granholm also met with executives from Dassault Systemes, which has operations in Auburn Hills along with its Delmia subsidiary.
"As the global center of automotive R&D and home to a flourishing advanced battery industry, Michigan is an ideal match for European firms looking to expand or establish their presence in North America," Granholm said. "Michigan offers unparalleled advantages that global companies need to become a part of the new clean and green auto industry."
The biannual Paris Auto Show, one of the oldest and largest in the world, featured the new generation of electric, hybrid and zero-emission vehicles along with the traditional line-up of exotic cars. This year, Ford unveiled its new Ford Focus ST. Chevrolet has introduced three models at the show: the Aveo hatchback, the Cruze hatchback and the Orlando, a compact minivan. Granholm also delivered a speech at the Forum in the New Energies Pavilion. Also on display were the Chevy Volt and its European counterpart, the Opel Ampere.
The governor met with executives from Dassault to discuss future Michigan business opportunities. Dassault, one of the world's largest IT systems companies, specializes in 3-D applications in order to enhance real-life living spaces and everyday products. The company also produces CATIA design software used by major OEMs and all major Tier One suppliers in Michigan and a diverse array of software products used in applications ranging from aerospace to computer games.
Dow Kokam, the Midland, Michigan-based advanced battery manufacturer, recently acquired Societe de Vehicles Electriques, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dassault that develops liquid-cooled, high-performance battery packs and energy management systems. The partnership significantly increases Dow Kokam's supply capability of advanced, vehicle-ready battery systems and provides an immediate footprint in Europe's rapidly growing electric vehicle market.
Also today, the governor spoke with Charles Churet, CEO of the French-based BSR Group, whose subsidiary, Revocoat, is acquiring Detroit-based Coat-It Inc. She encouraged local expansion of the sealants firm and stressed the importance of adding to the 60 Michigan jobs which will be part of the global organization.
This investment mission to France and Sweden is the governor's 11th overseas investment mission since 2004. Her previous missions to Austria, Belgium, Germany, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Italy and Sweden have resulted in 48 companies announcing over $1.8 billion in new investment in Michigan and 20,699 (9,244 direct) jobs created and retained.
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