by 
Michigan investment mission: Whitmer leads Michigan delegation to IAA Mobility in Germany, targeting jobs, innovation, and stronger global partnerships.
Whitmer leads Michigan delegation to Germany as investment mission shifts focus to mobility
Governor Gretchen Whitmer is leading a Michigan investment mission to the IAA Mobility Conference in Munich, Germany, after stops in Singapore and Japan. The trip underscores the state’s campaign to position itself as a global hub for mobility innovation while competing to bring jobs and foreign investment back home.
“We’re going everywhere to make sure Michigan is competing and winning jobs and investments to bring back home,” Whitmer said. She added that Michigan’s role as “the global epicenter of mobility” remains critical to its economic future.
Michigan investment mission highlights mobility, EVs, and advanced aerospace
The IAA Mobility show, one of the world’s largest automotive and mobility expos, provides a platform for Michigan to demonstrate its strengths in electric vehicles, advanced air mobility, autonomous technology, and sustainable transport infrastructure.
Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), said the Michigan investment mission highlights the state’s workforce, research capabilities, and incentives. He pointed to the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification and Michigan’s new R&D tax credits as examples of state policies designed to draw global innovators.
Defense and aerospace innovation join the Michigan delegation agenda
While much of the attention focused on EVs and smart mobility, Col. John Gutierrez, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), executive director of Michigan’s Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, stressed that defense and aerospace also stand at the center of the Michigan investment mission.
“This mission underscores the state’s role in driving the next era of multi-domain innovation—across land, maritime, and air—through relentless technological advancement, world-class manufacturing capabilities, and a highly skilled workforce,” Gutierrez said.
Germany remains a cornerstone investor in Michigan’s economic growth
Germany is already a major economic partner, with more than 400 German-owned companies operating in Michigan and contributing over $1.3 billion in foreign direct investment. Recent examples include Laepple Automotive, DEKRA, EcoG, Atesteo, and Expleo.
State officials view IAA Mobility as a chance to deepen those relationships while presenting Michigan as a destination for future-focused industries.
Michigan investment mission expands international footprint
The latest Michigan investment mission follows earlier state-led initiatives in Europe, Australia, Singapore, and Japan, where officials worked to court investors in mobility, aerospace, and clean energy. Analysts note that the mobility sector is undergoing a transformation, shifting from traditional manufacturing toward advanced technology ecosystems.
According to DBusiness Magazine, Michigan’s ability to align its historic automotive base with next-generation industries is central to its long-term competitiveness. “Michigan is not just the Motor City anymore—it is reshaping itself as a global innovation hub,” the publication reported.
Read More Interesting Feature Stories From ThumbWind
- Michigan Feature News Stories – Unveiling the diverse and vibrant people, captivating places, and remarkable events that come together to make the Great Lake State unique.
- Strange Political News – A sarcastic take on official news from around the U.S., exploring the absurdities that often arise in the political landscape while providing a humorous perspective on current events and highlighting the quirks of politicians and policies.
- Michigan Hometown News – News and events from Michigan’s Upper Thumb region worth knowing, including local stories, impactful interviews, and updates on community happenings that shape the culture and lifestyle of the area.
Your Turn – Like This, or Hate it – We Want To Hear From You
Please offer an insightful and thoughtful comment. We review each response. Follow us to have other feature stories fill up your email box, or check us out at ThumbWind News.
