The automotive industry is in the midst of a revolution—driven by an explosion of connectivity, shared mobility and automated technology. Yesterday at the Center for Creative Studies, the Detroit Regional Chamber hosted the Michigan Auto Summit, an event that explored how the convergence of automotive, mobility and emerging technology is impacting established leaders in Michigan’s legacy industry. Another focus of this premier event was new technology and how software and digital developers will play a role in shaping Michigan’s automotive and mobility future.

This event also focused on the changing nature of careers in the automotive industry. Attracting

A conversation on getting younger workers excited about the auto industry. From left: Michael Brosseau, president of Brose North America; Alex Hoolehan, general manger of Maven field operations for southeast Michigan, General Motors; Andrew Ignall, superintendent of Grand Haven Area Public Schools; Sam Roberts, student at Oakland University; and John McElroy, host of Autoline.

younger workers to auto industry jobs was the focus of a panel moderated by John McElroy. The host of Autoline’s conversation featured Michael Brosseau, president of Brose North America, Alex Hoolehan, general manager of Maven field operations for southeast Michigan for General Motors, Andrew Ignall, superintendent of Grand Haven Area Public Schools, and Sam Roberts, a student at Oakland University.

Focusing on the changing nature of the auto industry and the increased need for workers with technical and digital skills, the conversation focused on ways to make jobs in the industry more appealing to a younger generation. With a higher emphasis on connectivity and mobility, there is a demand for employees that are willing and able to tackle these changes head-on. Innovation is necessary to meet the demands for new technology in automobiles, and companies are looking to get ahead of that by recruiting and retaining younger workers.

Musa Tariq and Ted Stevens discuss branding and innovation at the Michigan Auto Summit

Detroit’s history of innovation was also a focal point brought up in a conversation between Musa Tariq, vice president and chief brand officer at Ford Motor Company, and Tim Stevens, editor at large of CNET and editor-in-chief of Roadshow. Focusing on branding as it relates to the auto industry, Tariq shared his experiences at Ford with attendees, offering advice related to use of social media for car companies and discussing how Detroit is still leading automotive innovation.

The Michigan Auto Summit highlighted critical areas for any company involved in the auto industry to focus on as new technology changes how the world moves.