In this special Mackinac Policy Conference edition of At The Wheel, Joe White and Tu Le sit down with Glenn Stevens Jr., Executive Director of MichAuto, to discuss one of the most important questions facing the automotive industry:
Can Michigan remain one of the centers of the global auto industry in the age of AI, automation, electrification, and Chinese competition?
Glenn shares details about the newly launched MichAuto Policy Roadmap, a comprehensive effort designed to ensure Michigan remains competitive as the auto industry undergoes its biggest transformation in more than a century.
The conversation covers:
🚗 Michigan’s Auto Future
Why Michigan remains the automotive capital of North America
The risks of standing still while the industry changes
Why Glenn believes the state faces a pivotal moment
🎓 The Talent & Education Crisis
Why Michigan’s education system is one of the industry’s biggest concerns
The connection between workforce development and automotive competitiveness
How career pathway planning is failing too many students
Why the next generation of engineers, software developers, and skilled trades workers matter more than ever
🇨🇳 China’s Automotive Rise
The growing influence of Chinese automakers
Why Michigan companies must understand global competition
What BYD, XPeng, Geely and others mean for the future of the industry
🤖 AI, Automation & Silicon Valley
Why the competition isn’t just China
How software, AI and advanced manufacturing are changing the game
The role of technology companies in shaping the future of mobility
🏭 Manufacturing, Innovation & Policy
Why Michigan must leverage its automotive leadership as a platform for broader innovation
The importance of advanced manufacturing, research, and engineering
What policymakers must do to keep investment and talent in Michigan
Throughout the conversation, Glenn emphasizes a simple but urgent message:
The automotive industry isn’t waiting. Michigan can lead the next era—or watch it happen somewhere else.
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⏱️ YouTube Chapters / Timestamps
00:00 Welcome from Mackinac Policy Conference
00:28 What Is the MichAuto Policy Roadmap?
01:57 Why Michigan Faces a Critical Moment
03:04 The Urgency Behind the Automotive Roadmap
05:29 Education: Michigan’s Biggest Competitive Challenge
07:08 Why Workforce Development Matters
08:55 Innovation, Research & Michigan’s Future
10:06 Competing for Talent Globally
12:28 Career Pathways & Skilled Trades
15:32 Why This Election Matters for Michigan
18:24 The Need for Bipartisan Action
20:03 Competing With China & Global Rivals
22:20 AI, Silicon Valley & Automotive Disruption
24:45 Michigan vs The South
25:36 Final Thoughts from Mackinac
