Governor Gretchen Whitmer's Keynote Address at Detroit Auto Show: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Michigan's Auto Industry
Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered a keynote address at the Detroit Auto Show, highlighting the challenges facing Michigan's auto industry due to tariffs and global competition, particularly from China. She emphasized the disruptions faced by the industry, including rising costs, workforce shortages, supply chain challenges, and shifting federal trade policies. Whitmer called for a strategic national trade policy to promote innovation, lower costs, and provide regulatory certainty.
Despite the challenges, Whitmer noted recent investments by major automakers in Michigan, such as Stellantis, General Motors, and Ford, as well as supplier investments from companies like Geotab, Laserglow, and Magna International. Looking ahead, she identified China as the primary competitive threat to Michigan and the U.S. auto industry, emphasizing the need for collaboration with allies like Canada and Mexico to maintain assembly jobs in Michigan.
Whitmer also announced the exploration of geologic hydrogen as a potential new energy source in Michigan, highlighting the state's potential to become a national leader in this area. She underscored the importance of workforce development, urging lawmakers to expand programs like Michigan Reconnect and pass the state budget on time to provide stability for schools, businesses, and local governments.
In conclusion, Whitmer called for industry leaders and policymakers to work together to compete globally and emphasized the choice between winning together or risking losing by going it alone.