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DETROIT -- On Monday, January 26 at the Detroit offices of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), a press conference was called to announce that a unique partnership has been formed with the Michigan International Speedway (MIS) to "use and market" MIS facilities (track plus road course already constructed) for the automakers and after-market based businesses the ability to "develop, test and evaluate" connected vehicle systems in a "closed, private and neutral environment."

Thus, the aftermarket firms would not have to work directly with one automobile company on the company's private test facilities as the Chelsea, Michigan proving grounds owned by Chrysler or Milford, Michigan proving grounds owned by General Motors.

The room was packed with members of the press as well as city of Brooklyn, Michigan, the home of MIS, Jackson County and the state of Michigan. Rob Moroso of MDOT, the maser of ceremonies, first introduced Kirt T. Steudle, director of MDOT, who stated that this partnership will attract "high tech and high paying jobs".

He stated that there are already 300 research and development facilities in Michigan and the purpose of this partnership is "to keep Michigan the home of technology". He also stressed that vehicle safety has improved in Michigan with approximately 1,000 traffic fatalities in Michigan last out of 44,000 nationally, with the number in Michigan declining.

Roger Curtis, President of MIS, followed Mr. Steudle. He stated that Michigan is "already the leader" in automobile technology. He expressed much optimism in this new partnership relationship with MDOT.

Dr. David Cole, Chairman of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) and Board Member of the Michigan Economic Development Growth Corporation, followed stating "the higher the technology"..."the tools are here...this is really big". He also claimed that "there will be 10,000 jobs related to this parternship".

Jim Poleto, Preident and CEO of Michigan Economic Development Growth Corporation, then followed an stated that 80% of auto research and development jobs within North America..."cudos to the team". He stated that "three words describe this parternship...jobs, jobs, jobs". He repeated that for the best case in the auto industry to exist, if in a single state all is in place from the research lab to the final assembly of the vehicle exists...which is so in Michigan, much success will occur in the future. A very optimistic projection was given of 16,000 to 41,000 new jobs with $177 million to $480 million in new revenue in Michigan.

The speakers held a question and answer session after their remarks. Special thanks to the State Senator Randy Richardville and Sammie Lukaskiewicz, Difector of Communications, who both came up to me to introduce themselves.

 

PHOTO CREDIT: WWW.MISPEEDWAY.COM

Michigan International Speedway will be utilized for testing vehicles.