News Release Provided By MICHauto

LANSING, MICH – MICHauto, a statewide initiative of the Detroit Regional Chamber, convenes executives from 25 automotive companies for meetings with 25 state legislators in Lansing. For the sixth consecutive year, MICHauto has brought together the automotive industry and legislators to discuss the impact of the industry across the state. For the second year, industry leaders identified policy priorities that are most important to their continued growth.

Michigan Business Network was on hand for the later legislative reception and audio interviews from that will also appear on Michigan Business Network.

The 2019 policy priorities focus on the following areas:

• Industry Talent Pipeline: Development of a strong talent pipeline for the automotive industry and next-generation mobility development.
• Connected, Automated, Shared and Electric Vehicle R&D and Testing: Ensure that Michigan remains at the forefront for companies and research institutions.
• International Trade: Encourage productive efforts to promote fair trade through the pursuit of high-standard trade agreements.

View the full policy priorities.

“The MICHauto policy priorities were created with the automotive industry and represent their thoughts on what we need to focus on to ensure future economic success,” said Glenn Stevens, executive director of MICHauto and vice president of automotive and mobility initiatives for the Detroit Regional Chamber. “Meeting with legislators is crucial to ensuring that policymakers understand the industry’s issues, opportunities, and our collective economic impact.”

Additionally, each year, MICHauto recognizes a distinguished legislator for his or her commitment to the state and the automotive industry. This year’s honoree state Rep. Rebekah Warren (D-MI 55) will be recognized during a luncheon reception between meetings.

Rep. Warren’s commitment to driving next generation vehicle R&D, her sponsorship and creation of the framework to allow the establishment of the American Center for Mobility, and her appointment on the Michigan Council on Future Mobility all serve as compelling testaments to her leadership in supporting Michigan’s largest industry.

"I am honored to be named Legislator of the Year for MICHauto, and I look forward to continuing to work to ensure that Michigan is positioned to lead the transformation to next-generation mobility," said Rep. Warren. "The automotive industry is our state's signature, as well as a key economic driver of our state with tremendous potential for growth. I am proud to partner with industry leaders and state policymakers to protect the future of this critical sector, which will benefit all of our state's residents.”

Past recipients of the Legislator of the Year award include Senator’s Steve Bieda (D-Warren), Ken Horn (R-Frankenmuth), Mike Kowall (R-White Lake), and Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City).

About MICHauto
MICHauto, Michigan’s only automotive cluster association, is a statewide economic development initiative of the Detroit Regional Chamber. Dedicated to promoting, retaining and growing the automotive and next-generation mobility industry in Michigan, MICHauto embodies a public-private strategy, championing Michigan as the global epicenter of the automotive industry and providing a platform for collaboration on advocacy, business attraction and retention, and talent attraction. To learn more, visit MICHauto.org.