Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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September 30, 2024
WHEREAS, the state of Michigan has long been recognized as the birthplace of the automotive industry, playing a critical role in the development and manufacturing of vehicles that have transformed transportation globally; and,
WHEREAS, as the automotive industry evolves, software is becoming increasingly central to vehicle production, driving innovation, enhancing safety, and enabling the next generation of mobility solutions; and,
WHEREAS, seven of the world’s major automakers (some here in Michigan) are each currently allocating 25% to 30% of their R&D budgets to software, and spending an estimated 40% of a car’s bill of materials (BOM) on software and semiconductors; and,
WHEREAS, the demand for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to reinvent themselves by taking on more software development in-house and for automakers to embrace the complexities of offerings needed for tomorrow’s vehicles; and,
WHEREAS, the epicenter of software innovation for vehicles is coming to the state of Michigan - SDVerse - which is a collaborative initiative between General Motors, Wipro and Magna, that is dedicated to connecting buyers and sellers of automotive software technologies, fostering transparency, minimizing inefficiencies and bolstering Michigan’s leadership in this new era of automotive innovation; and,
WHEREAS, on September 30, a significant event will mark this industry shift in Detroit, bringing together its founding members and the biggest names from leading companies such as Renault, FEV, Forvia, HL Mando, NXP, TTTech Auto, Valeo, Cummins, Bosch and others to officially launch this groundbreaking marketplace, marking a pivotal moment in Michigan’s automotive history; and,
WHEREAS, SDVerse is committed to creating new jobs and attracting global commerce to Michigan, further cementing the state’s position as the center of automotive innovation and a leader in the software-defined vehicle landscape; and,
WHEREAS, the state of Michigan, home to the headquarters and tech centers of major automotive manufacturers, is uniquely positioned to lead in both traditional vehicle manufacturing and the emerging field of automotive software; and,
WHEREAS, recognizing the importance of software in vehicle manufacturing is essential for Michigan’s continued success, growth, and leadership in the global automotive industry;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 30, 2024, as Automotive Software Discovery and Innovation Day in Michigan, honoring Michigan’s pivotal role in the evolution of the automotive industry and reaffirming our commitment to supporting the future of automotive innovation.