Auto Tech Archives

Michigan’s Auto Industry Can’t Win By Tariffs Alone. It Must Match China Speed: Center For Automotive Research Report

Michigan’s Auto Industry Can’t Win By Tariffs Alone. It Must Match China Speed: Center For Automotive Research Report

Industry leaders meeting in Ann Arbor say AI, faster engineering and streamlined decision-making—not just trade policy—will determine the future of North American manufacturing. ANN ARBOR – While Washington continues to debate tariffs and trade policy aimed at slowing China's automotive expansion, industry leaders gathered in Ann Arbor say North America's biggest challenge may be much

By Mike Brennan|2026-08-06T19:17:03-04:00August 6th, 2026|Artificial Intelligence, Auto Tech|

Mary Barra Signals GM’s Future Goes Beyond Cars. What It Could Mean For Michigan Jobs And Businesses

Mary Barra Signals GM’s Future Goes Beyond Cars. What It Could Mean For Michigan Jobs And Businesses

GM CEO tells investors the automaker is building new revenue streams that could create opportunities for suppliers, startups and high-tech workers. DETROIT – When General Motors CEO Mary Barra spoke with Wall Street investors during the company's second-quarter earnings call last week, she delivered a message that could have significant implications for Michigan's economy. GM's

By Mike Brennan|2026-07-27T18:58:17-04:00July 27th, 2026|Auto Tech|

Michigan Auto Industry Faces Growing AI Skills Gap As Employers Warn Workforce Isn’t Ready

Michigan Auto Industry Faces Growing AI Skills Gap As Employers Warn Workforce Isn’t Ready

ANN ARBOR – Michigan's automotive industry has weathered supply chain disruptions, labor shortages and the transition to electric vehicles. But a new report suggests its next challenge may be finding workers with the digital and technical skills needed for an industry increasingly powered by artificial intelligence, automation and software. Nearly one in three automotive employers

By Mike Brennan|2026-07-10T13:03:04-04:00July 10th, 2026|Artificial Intelligence, Auto Tech, ESD, Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEAM), STEM|

Could Your Next Hyundai Charge Itself While You Drive? New Wind Turbine Patent Explores an Unusual Idea

Could Your Next Hyundai Charge Itself While You Drive? New Wind Turbine Patent Explores an Unusual Idea

ANN ARBOR — No, your next Hyundai probably won't look like a miniature wind farm. But the newly discovered patent illustrates just how creative automakers have become in the search for every additional mile of EV range. Hyundai and Kia engineers have patented one of the more unusual ideas yet—a vehicle-mounted wind turbine system designed

By Mike Brennan|2026-07-09T09:13:50-04:00July 9th, 2026|Auto Tech, Engineering Society of Detroit, ESD|

What Trump’s Decision To Rewrite North American Trade Deal Means For Michigan Consumers

What Trump’s Decision To Rewrite North American Trade Deal Means For Michigan Consumers

ANN ARBOR — President Donald Trump's decision to reopen the North American trade agreement with Canada and Mexico could eventually affect the prices Michigan consumers pay for automobiles, appliances and other everyday goods, while creating new uncertainty for the state's manufacturing economy. The Trump administration announced this week that it will not renew the current

By Mike Brennan|2026-07-05T14:34:33-04:00July 5th, 2026|Auto Tech, Government/Politics, Politics, Politics/Government|

Michigan’s Auto Future: EV Comeback, Hybrid Growth And The China Challenge

Michigan’s Auto Future: EV Comeback, Hybrid Growth And The China Challenge

DETROIT — Veteran automotive journalist Paul Eisenstein, joins MITech TV to break down some of the biggest developments reshaping the global auto industry and what they could mean for Michigan automakers, suppliers and consumers. Among the topics discussed: Why Battery Electric Vehicle sales are rebounding after a challenging 2025 and what that means for automakers

By Mike Brennan|2026-06-10T05:55:23-04:00June 9th, 2026|Auto Tech, mitechtv|

China’s Hydrogen Aviation Breakthrough Could Ripple Into Michigan’s Mobility Economy

China’s Hydrogen Aviation Breakthrough Could Ripple Into Michigan’s Mobility Economy

DETROIT - China’s successful liquid hydrogen aircraft test is more than an aerospace milestone. For Michigan, it may be an early warning shot in the next global manufacturing and mobility race. The state already has billions tied to hydrogen development, fuel-cell research, heavy transportation infrastructure and advanced mobility systems. If hydrogen-powered aviation, trucking and industrial

By Mike Brennan|2026-05-25T18:38:39-04:00May 25th, 2026|Auto Tech, Clean Update, Clean, green, hybrid, Clean, Green, wireless|

Your Next Oil Change Could Soon Cost $120 As Iran Crisis Threatens Broader U.S. Economy

Your Next Oil Change Could Soon Cost $120 As Iran Crisis Threatens Broader U.S. Economy

ANN ARBOR - Americans may soon feel the economic impact of the escalating Iran conflict in one of the most familiar parts of daily life: the cost of an oil change. Industry analysts are warning that synthetic oil changes — already approaching $100 for many vehicles — could surge to $120 or more if tensions

By Mike Brennan|2026-05-20T09:42:03-04:00May 20th, 2026|Auto Tech, ESD|

GM Cuts IT Jobs As Detroit Automaker Faces Mounting Cost Pressures, EV Transition, And AI Disruption

GM Cuts IT Jobs As Detroit Automaker Faces Mounting Cost Pressures, EV Transition, And AI Disruption

DETROIT - Automotive News reported Monday that General Motors has eliminated additional information technology jobs as the automaker continues restructuring efforts aimed at lowering costs and accelerating its transition into a software-driven automotive company. The layoffs come as GM faces a difficult balancing act: funding billions of dollars in electric vehicle development, battery plants, software

By Mike Brennan|2026-05-11T17:04:25-04:00May 11th, 2026|Auto Tech, Engineering Society of Detroit, ESD|

Could Chinese EVs Crush Detroit?

Could Chinese EVs Crush Detroit?

Part 1 or a two-part series on the Chinese auto threat to Michigan. DETROIT - For generations, Detroit was the beating heart of American industrial power. In the decades following World War II, Michigan’s auto industry dominated not only the United States, but much of the global automobile market as well. During the 1950s and

By Mike Brennan|2026-05-08T10:58:20-04:00May 8th, 2026|Auto Tech, Engineering Society of Detroit, ESD, Featured, Politics, Politics/Government|