SR116, As Adopted by Senate, January 10, 2018

            Senator Kowall offered the following resolution:

Senate Resolution No. 116.

A resolution to honor the work of PlanetM and recognize January 14-21, 2018, as AutoMobili-D Week at the North American International Auto Show in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, Detroit is a city that rose to greatness on the back of automobile manufacturing, becoming one of the world’s great industrial centers and a shining example of American ingenuity and innovation; and

Whereas, Michigan has risen with the fortunes of the automobile industry, shares a vested interest in its vitality, and hopes for continued global leadership; and

Whereas, Maintaining global leadership in the automobile industry will be challenged, both by the transition to a new mobility industry, and by the efforts of other states and nations who desire to supplant Michigan’s preeminence; and

Whereas, PlanetM represents a coordinated effort to publicize, promote, and present Michigan’s vast private and public assets for leadership in current and future mobility, and also draws upon the collected expertise in private companies, business organizations, higher education and the creativity and energy of individual developers, thinkers, and innovators; and

Whereas, PlanetM will demonstrate the strength of its efforts as the title sponsor of the AutoMobili-D conference held in conjunction with the North American International Auto Show in Detroit from January 14-21, 2018; and

Whereas, The AutoMobili-D conference will feature more than 250 brands in order to provide a true showcase of the automotive ecosystem, from startups to suppliers to automakers showcasing technologies. This conference will focus on key mobility areas including connected vehicle technology, automated driving, e-mobility, mobility services, and smart cities; and

Whereas, A specific highlight of AutoMobili-D will be the partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s PlanetM program and Techstars Mobility (a mobility-focused accelerator based in Detroit) to curate the roster of participating startups including nearly 60 firms from across the globe with expertise and plans for artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomous and connected platforms, infrastructure to vehicle communications, and cybersecurity; and

Whereas, AutoMobili-D will build upon the success of its inaugural session in 2017 to provide a valuable and very current supplement to the North American International Auto Show itself; and

Whereas, The North American International Auto Show is already one of the premiere auto shows in the world that draws international attention, millions of visitors from the industry, and the public alike; and

 Whereas, The North American International Auto Show also hosts brand-defining global vehicle debuts, providing over $5 million annually to Detroit-area charities through the Charity Preview and an annual $450 million economic impact to the southeastern Michigan region due to the tireless and long-standing efforts of the organizers and the Detroit-area auto dealers; and

Whereas, The efforts of PlanetM and the activities of AutoMobili-D will help the North American International Auto Show as well as the automobile and mobility industries reach even higher heights to benefit Michigan’s economy and its citizens; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body honor the work of PlanetM and recognize January 14-21, 2018, as AutoMobili-D Week at the North American International Auto Show in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to PlanetM, the North American International Auto Show, and the Detroit Auto Dealers Association as a token of our high esteem.