DETROIT (WOOD) — In a speech Thursday morning at the Detroit Auto Show, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer emphasized the importance of innovation and collaboration for the auto industry.
Whitmer cited challenges to the auto industry like tariffs, supply chain constraints and “the ebb and flow of the shift to electric,” but said it has also seen some “big wins.”
“In 2026, Michigan will stay focused on setting our auto industry up for success,” the governor continued. “So to do that, we have to look at what we’re up against. And we have to be very clear-eyed about this. In a word, we’re up against China.”
Whitmer said China “wants to dominate every part of auto manufacturing.” To meet the challenge, she said, Michigan should focus on two things: innovation and collaboration.
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“We often talk about diversifying our economy away from the auto industry. But the secret is to use our auto industry as a launchpad for innovation,” she said, adding that research and development should be incentivized. Whitmer said she had just signed an executive directive to explore geologic hydrogen as an energy source.
The governor also emphasized the importance of collaboration, calling it “impractical and, in many cases, not possible” to produce all vehicle parts in the United States.
“Our auto industry relies on a web of strategic alliances that span North America and the globe. Every Michigan-made car you see on the road, even the one you drove in today, is a miracle of teamwork,” she said. “Now, this system only works if and when we are a good partner to our allies.”
She called for the United States to build on the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement, which is up for review this year.
“Collaboration is a strength, not a weakness,” Whitmer said. “We’ve got to work together to keep assembly in Michigan as much as possible to protect good-paying union jobs.”
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