Rod Alberts and Michigan Governor Jennifer Whitmore kicked off the show. Governor Whitmore welcomed attendees and announced a significant initiative for the advancement of electric vehicles in the State of Michigan. She proposed that the Michigan Department of Transportation will begin work to develop a stretch of public roadways that will be the first to provide wireless charging for electric vehicles while being driven.
Ford Motor Company General Manager of Passenger Vehicles, Jeff Marentic, gave a preview of their flagship electric Expedition. He stressed that social media was big in their playbook. He said. “We have developed a vehicle to take you where you want to go.” Also emphasizing the off-road capability and power to haul.
Brand Manager Devin McPalane showed off the Stealth, Platinum and Timberline.
Marentic was followed by Toyota’s Vice-President of North America Marketing Joe Moses. Moses introduced the Tundra which was planned and prepared at their Ann Arbor Engineering Center. He stressed QDR-quality, durability and reliability. He was pushing the concept of “a strong confident and powerful vehicle.”
The Camp Jeep Experience showed off their all-terrain and new electric Jeep Wrangler 4xe; and Ram TRX Experience. It was a half-mile course of pure fun. There were bumps, hills, extreme turns and a Disney-like jump.
Many local Universities had mobility and electric vehicle displays including a very comprehensive exhibition from Italy.
