By: Matt Wolfe
2015 MICHauto Summit promoted a resurgent Detroit as a global force of automotive innovation 
On Wednesday, September 30th, the Automotive Hall of Fame participated in the 2015 MICHauto summit at the newly renovated Cobo Hall in Detroit. The summit has held annually since 2012 by the Detroit Regional Chamber, a chamber of commerce consisting of influential individuals and entities that promote economic development programs in and around the city of Detroit.
The focus of the 2015 summit was the rebirth of the automotive industry in Detroit as well as the State of Michigan and what must be done to sustain the industry’s growth. Speakers included industry professionals, educators, entrepreneurs, and Governor Rick Snyder. Governor Snyder pledged to continue his efforts to sell Michigan around the world as the global center for next generation mobility. “Let’s Put the Pedal to the Metal on Mobility”, said Governor Snyder during his closing speech.
Many speakers stressed the importance of Michigan’s continued efforts to cultivate local talent in order to maintain Michigan’s position as a leader in important competencies like advanced powertrain development, vehicle light-weighting, and vehicle safety. Also highlighted was the growth of autonomous driving technology and what Michigan is already doing to be a leader in the development of these systems through programs like M-City, a simulated urban test environment for self-driving cars located on the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus.
During the opening speech of the summit, The Automotive Hall of Fame received recognition on the success of our 2015 Induction Ceremony from board member and Detroit Regional Chamber President Sandy Barauah. Mr. Barauah also made mention of the Hall of Fame’s booth at the conference; which highlighted the history of the Pontchartrain Hotel’s bar as and the similarities between it and the MICHauto summit. In 1909, the Pontchartrain Hotel bar was the meeting place of the men who made motors hum.
