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Gov. Rick Snyder's administration is in China to drum up business for Michigan. It's his sixth investment mission to China.
On Monday, Snyder presided over the signing of a cooperative agreement between the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Automotive Office and The Shanghai International Automobile City, a comprehensive auto production base outside of Shanghai, a press release by the governor's office said.
The agreement will focus on research testing for autonomous vehicles, also known as self-driving vehicles.
Lindsay Vanhulle of Crian's Detroit Business writes that the agreement will allow the Chinese auto manufacturing base set up a Michigan office; improve Michigan's and China's connected vehicle infrastructure; increase innovation, entrepreneurship and technology startups; and increase research and testing of new technologies, including universities and research institutions in both places,
“Michigan and China are in unique positions as we each pursue business and opportunities in the interconnected autonomous vehicle space,” Snyder said in a statement. “This memorandum of understanding is an important accomplishment that builds on our mutual commitment to strengthen our friendship and further promote the automotive industry in Michigan and China.”
Michigan has tried positioning itself as the global leader in autonomous vehicle technology through Planet M, a campaign that promotes the state’s leading role in the automotive industry, the press release said.
“Michigan has always been the automotive industry leader, and as the transportation industry evolves, our state’s influence will continue to shape the way the world moves,” Snyder said. “With Planet M, we’re putting our strengths on display for a global audience to see and learn about.”
