AUTOMOBILITY &
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING
While Detroit’s rich automotive history speaks for itself, the Motor City’s leadership in the future of mobility
is highlighted by our unmatched talent, mobility infrastructure, and density of industry investment.
26
OEM passenger and commercial vehicle manufacturers based in Michigan
WHY DETROIT?
96
of the top 100
global auto suppliers have a presence in the Detroit region
1500+
automotive facilities across
Michigan support design, engineering, and production
THE HEARTBEAT OF THE
GLOBAL AUTO INDUSTRY
Detroit remains the epicenter of the North American automotive industry—with deep roots and unmatched reach across the entire mobility ecosystem.
The Big Three maintain major production facilities and innovation hubs in the City of Detroit. Ford and Stellantis are headquartered in the Detroit Region, and General Motors is headquartered in the city of Detroit.
DETROIT REGION HAS TOP
MANUFACTURING TALENT
90k
engineers in
Detroit region
#2
U.S. metro for engineering
talent
#5
U.S. metro for manufacturing
talent
900+
auto manufacturing facilities across
MI
#1
U.S. metro for tool
and die makers
#1
U.S. metro for deployed industrial robots
#1
U.S. metro for assemblers and fabricators talent
500+
miles of connected vehicle testing
corridors across MI
Sources: Detroit At Work, Detroit Regional Partnership, US Bureau of Labor Statistics
DRIVING THE FUTURE
OF MOBILITY INNOVATION
50%
increase
in venture-backed startups in the past five years
2nd
Fastest
growing startup ecosystem in the world
Real-world
testing
environments:
Smart Parking Lab and the Transportation Innovation Zone
Strategic
support
for electrification,
connected vehicles, and AV deployment from the state level
Mobility Innovation Partners and Resources
New Lab at Michigan Central
Over 100 startups launched in 270,000 square feet of space.
This is a collaborative hub for engineers, designers, researchers, and founders. Focused on real-world
solutions in energy, mobility, and infrastructure.
Backed by Ford Motor Company, the State of Michigan,
and leading investors.
City of Detroit
Office of Mobility Innovation
OMI exists to help the City of Detroit navigate the rapidly changing transportation and mobility industries.
Both are essential for people and businesses and Detroit’s automotive heritage provides an unparalleled opportunityto innovate and define their future.
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City of Detroit - Transportation Innovation Zone (TIZ)
The TIZ is Detroit’s regulatory real-world deployment
site for mobility technology.
It provides innovators with a safe, real-world environment to test transportation solutions — supported by streamlined permitting and direct
access to City partners.”
Detroit Smart Parking Lab
DSPL operates on the ground floor of a physical parking structure that enables real-world testing of parking-related mobility technologies, logistics, and electric vehicle charging.
DSPL gives technology developers a platform to examine ways to improve customer experiences and
the efficient movement of vehicles and goods in defined spaces.
STARTUP SUCCESS STORIES
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The Munich-based e-mobility startup has set up in Detroit, adjacent to Ford’s Michigan Central Innovation District
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Plans to create 45 jobs and invest $14.4 million
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Sells its in-house charging technology and operating system ‘EcoG | OS’ as a suite
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
THAT WORKS FOR YOU
Build your teams faster with financial and talent support. You can access:
Funding available for Detroit residents, covering training, onboarding, and support services.
Detroit At Work
Employer Incentives
State & local grants help cover curriculum, instructor, and wage subsidies-especially
in advanced manufacturing, IT,
and clean energy.
Registered Apprenticeship Support
Collaborate with local providers (e.g., Focus: HOPE, Henry Ford College) to build tailored training pipelines.
Custom Training Partnerships
Industry Partners
Hover over the partner logos for more information.
Led by the Detroit Regional Partnership, the Global Epicenter of Mobility or GEM™ is designed to help build an inclusive and prosperous 21st century mobility sector. With $52.2-million in grant funds from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. GEM will help the Detroit Region: -Develop cutting-edge technology -Create new, quality jobs and careers -Ready new sites for business
Operated by the American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute (ALMMII), is nonprofit 501(c)3 public-private partnership between the U.S. Department of Defense, industry, and academia.
MichAuto promotes, retains, and grows Michigan’s signature industry as the state’s only automotive and mobility association. It is a key economic prosperity affiliate of the Detroit Regional Chamber.
MMTC offers personalized consulting services that enable Michigan manufacturers to operate smarter, compete and prosper. It develops more effective business leaders, drive product and process innovation, assist with navigating through governmental and industry regulations, promote company-wide operational excellence and foster creative strategies for business growth and greater profitability.
CORPORATE SUCCESS STORIES
-
Revitalization of Michigan
Central Station into 30-acre
technology and cultural hub -
Six year renovation project
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Investment of $740 million
DAVID WHITE
Vice President of
Business Development
JACQUELINE YOUNG
Senior Director of
Business Development