Speaking at auto show, Whitmer announces directive to explore geologic hydrogen energy
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday spoke about the auto industry, Michigan's economy and more during an address at the Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place
DETROIT, Mich. (WILX) - Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spoke Thursday morning at the Detroit Auto Show, delivering a keynote at Huntington Place.
The governor discussed the state of the auto industry and the impact of tariffs on Michigan’s economy, the importance of innovation and collaboration, and actions the state must take in 2026 to continue attracting businesses and creating well-paying local jobs amidst national uncertainty.
Whitmer said in the year since she last spoke at the auto show, the American and global economy have been “rocked by change” and no industry has seen more change or been more impacted than the auto industry.
She went on to announce later Thursday the state’s Community and Worker Economic Transition office will release Michigan’s first-ever economic transition strategy at the auto show.
“Their plan will help auto suppliers continue to be strong partners for OEMs and offer them a path to participate in emerging supply chains for clean energy, defense, aerospace, and chips,” Whitmer said.
She also said she had just signed an executive directive to “help us explore geologic hydrogen as a new source of clean, reliable energy in Michigan.”
“The directive could make us a national leader in this space. We’re already seeing a lot of interest in Michigan because we have more potential reserves under our feet than every other state,” Whitmer said. “If our hydrogen reserves are proven, safe, and viable, they could lead to a massive economic boom, creating jobs, lowering costs, and reducing our reliance on foreign fuel.”
“With this directive, we can pioneer the future of energy and grow our economy,” she said.
Whitmer’s address came a day after former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg joined Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz for a “fireside chat” at the auto show.
Thursday marks the second day of the media preview and AutoMobili-D before Friday’s annual Charity Preview. The full show will open to the public on Saturday.
The show is open to the public Saturday, Jan. 17 through Sunday, Jan. 25. It’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the show wrapping up an hour early at 7 p.m. on the final day.
Find more information about tickets and what you can see at the show here, including more than two dozen American and international brands, local startups and the latest technologies in the industry.
News 10 will air a special streaming show Friday at 6:30 p.m. Seth Wells and Riley Connell will show you what’s on tap at the Detroit Auto Show, what it all means for Michigan and everything you won’t want to miss. You can watch it on the free News 10+ streaming apps on Roku, Fire TV and Apple TV, or on wilx.com.
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