Guide to Economic Development in the Global Auto Industry - S18

MICHIGAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Known for putting the world on wheels over a century ago, Michigan continues to be the place for businesses and
entrepreneurs to shape the way we move today and the future of transportation mobility. Automotive design and
technology are constantly changing, but the world leader in automotive manufacturing remains the same: Michigan.
It's our heritage, dominant economy and way of life.

WORKFORCE
Colleges and universities in
Michigan have specialized
programs that focus on
automotive technology and
design as well as other emerging
mobility technologies. The
state also ranks No. 1 in r&d
professionals at 3.5 times the
national average and leads the
nation in its approach to skilledtrades labor, with a workforce
of more than 216,000. This
collection of talent is among
the top reasons that businesses
locate and expand in Michigan.

INFRASTRUCTURE
Michigan is dedicated to the
advancement and deployment
of intelligent transportation
systems. The largest deployment
of freeway and surface-street vehicle-to-infrastructure technology
in the United States can be found
in Michigan, with plans for more
than 350 miles wired by the end
of 2019.

BUSINESS SUPPORT
Businesses are coming to
Michigan and expanding
their operations because of a

business-friendly environment
that ranks among the best in
the nation. With programs and
services specializing in business
assistance, entrepreneurial
support, access to capital and
more, Michigan provides the
tools and environment that help
businesses grow and thrive.

EXISTING INDUSTRY
Michigan is the capital of the
global automotive industry
and is home to more than
2,200 facilities that conduct
automotive research, design,
engineering, testing and
validation. Nowhere in
the world is there a better
industrial landscape for autorelated business. Automotive
manufacturers, suppliers and
r&d companies enjoy close
proximity to a robust ecosystem
of collaboration and heightened
productivity.
Michigan is not only leading
in the design and production of
vehicles on the road today but
also driving the advancement
of the autonomous and
connected vehicles of tomorrow.
Through partnerships that
cross industries, progressive

E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T G U I D E / J U LY 2 0 1 8

legislation and the
establishment of world-class
testing facilities, the historic
heart of the automotive industry
is emerging as the global leader
of next-generation mobility.

QUALITY OF LIFE
Michigan offers a range of
reasons for people to live and
work in the state, including
having the lowest cost of living
in the Midwest. The state boasts
several thriving metropolitan
areas with distinct sensibilities-
from Grand Rapids to Detroit-
and few other states offer the
geographical diversity and range
of outdoor activities for people
seeking an active, adventurous
lifestyle.

MICHIGAN
BY THE NUMBERS

76%
of the automotive industry's
total r&d is conducted
in Michigan

NO. 1

Nationally in concentration
of electric, mechanical and
industrial engineers

$10B

is spent on automotive
r&d annually in Michigan

CONTACT INFORMATION
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
888-522-0103
www.michiganbusiness.org/contact-medc/

http://www.michiganbusiness.org/contact-medc/

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