Lansing, Michigan – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has moved from her recent investment tour of Asia to Europe, where she is now leading Michigan’s representation at the IAA Mobility Conference in Munich, Germany. This move comes after Michigan’s first trade mission to Singapore and a series of follow-up talks in Japan earlier this month.
The governor said that the transition was part of a bigger plan to make Michigan a leader in global mobility and bring in new investments that will create jobs at home.
“We’re going everywhere to make sure Michigan is competing and winning jobs and investments to bring back home,” said Governor Whitmer. “Over the past week, we’ve built new relationships in Singapore and deepened longstanding ties in Japan. Now, at IAA in Munich, Team Michigan will show the world why our state is the global epicenter of mobility.
IAA Mobility, which takes place in Munich, is one of the best auto and transport exhibitions in the world. It is known for showing off the latest electric vehicles, self-driving technologies, and green transportation infrastructure. The event gives Michigan a chance to show off its power in transportation, from its large supply chain and strong manufacturing base to its work on advanced air mobility and battery development.
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The CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Quentin L. Messer, Jr., talked on how important Michigan’s role was at the worldwide meeting. He said that worldwide companies might benefit from investing in Michigan because of the state’s strong infrastructure, skilled people, and unique policy instruments, such as the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification.
“IAA presents an invaluable opportunity for Team Michigan to engage with global mobility leaders, deepen relationships in-market, share Michigan’s innovation story, and attract new investment,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
Michigan leaders are also using the Munich trip to show off the state’s booming defense and aerospace industry. Col. John Gutierrez, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), who directs the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, said that the trip was a chance to solidify Michigan’s position as a center for dual-use technology that work on land, at sea, and in the air.
Germany continues to be one of Michigan’s most important economic partners. There are more than 400 German businesses in the state, and they have invested more than $1.3 billion in Michigan. Recent promises from companies like Laepple Automotive, DEKRA, EcoG, Atesteo, and Expleo show how strong this link is.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan Economic Development Foundation are both helping with the mission. They are both trying to bring in more private investment and create better-paying employment in the state. Whitmer’s message from Munich is clear: Michigan isn’t waiting for the future of transportation; it’s striving to develop it and make sure the advantages stay at home.