Back in September I had the most amazing opportunity to ride around Detroit with IAV in their partially automated vehicle.

A photo posted by Katelyn Davis (@katelynshelby) on Sep 30, 2015 at 6:07pm PDT

This VW was outfitted with IAV's automated technologies for automated driving. For this demonstration, the vehicle was designed for automated highway driving, so the driver manually drove the vehicle to Detroit's M10 where he then engaged the highway driving system. By using radars,sensors and cameras, the vehicle can calculate vehicles and objects around it and navigate traffic accordingly. The vehicle's cameras are also able to calculate lane markers to accurately steer as the road curves. Once on the expressway, the driver sets the automated system using switches similar to cruise control and once the driver presses the set button, the car will maintain its current speed and start lane marking. During automated driving active cruise control also kicks in and the driver can adjust the safety distance between the cars in front of him manually using buttons on the steering wheel at any time. The driver can also over-steer the system at any time to manually take control of the vehicle. I broadcasted my whole drive along on Periscope, you can watch the recorded version here:


 There is definitely some work to be done. Like he mentioned with the lane detection which currently detects tar lines as solid lane lines which would prohibits the car to make lane changes on its own in fully automated driving.

But overall, this was an amazing experience. It was incredible to see where the future is headed in the very near future!

My whole career I've been struggling with the lack of female active involvement and leadership in the automotive industry. Sure, there are women around here. I see them around. But besides the obvious omittance from leadership, there is also a noticeably low number of women who are actively participating in the automotive industry outside of their daily work day.

Last month at the MICHauto Summit (#MAS15)—an annual conference focusing on how Michigan can leverage its automotive heritage to lead the research, design and manufacturing of next-generation mobility technology—I looked around the Cobo Center Ballroom and I noticed I was surrounded by the same crowd as every other automotive event. Men.

Wouldn't be an auto event if I wasn't surrounded by men. #aspiringgirlboss Where is my spirit animal @mtbarra? #MAS15 pic.twitter.com/G808WZgpMU

— Katelyn Davis (@katelynshelby) September 30, 2015

Not only where the attendees primarily men, the speakers list was male dominated as well.

Over 30 speakers @MICHauto & only 2 are Women. We need to include more women in leadership #MAS15 Plenty of us in the audience! @WomeninMfg

— Meghan Hasse (@meghanhasse) September 30, 2015

And honestly, I'm not that surprised. The dominating male representation at industry events is only a window into what is actually going on in the industry. What is STILL going on.

The Facts
The automotive industry talent pool is comprised of nearly 60% women. A number that still shocks me. If we're dominating the industry, why don't we make ourselves known? We have good insight and we deserve a voice. Why don't we take over?

We try but the fact is only 3.3% of executive positions in the automotive industry are filled by these women. This figure has varied little over the years, indicating change is happening more in the intent than in the reality. And while there are prominent women executives in automotive, the numbers show those women are virtually alone within industry leadership. Their rarity suggests that talented women have significantly greater opportunity in industries outside the automotive sector.

And you would think that with Mary Barra, the first female CEO of a major global automaker. holding reign at GM just down the street that we would begin to see the tides turning, at least locally, within the automotive industry.


The weirdest part about all of this: the automotive industry is driven by women. Annually, women spend $200 Billion on automotive vehicles and related services. Women are 80% of all automotive buying decisions made in the U.S.

But even though the industry depends on women consumers, we still don't have a larger presence in leadership roles. Why?

What Can We Do?
I don't blame this problem entirely on oppression from our male coworkers or a lost invitation from the good 'ol boys club but or mostly on ourselves. The first step into breaking through the glass ceiling (and staying above it) is making our numbers known. Remember, we make up roughly 60% of the industry's working professionals and we dominate the consumer audience. So why aren't we 60% of industry event attendees? 60% of the keynote speakers?

We need to go to these events. We need to network. We need to take the initiative to learn more. Learn everything humanly possible about this awesome industry we are all a part of. Be confident. And speak up! These are they things that cannot be taken away from us or kept out of reach, yet I seldom see women stepping forward. We need to take our place in the spotlight and make ourselves known! We need to be active participants in our industry. Once we are recognized as a force to be reckoned with maybe then we will earn the recognition we deserve.

But until we stop hiding behind our desks I will continue to be the minority—a lone purple dress in a sea of black and navy suits. If you're ready to venture out into the world, let me know and I'd be more than happy to be your ally.

---

If you're interested in becoming more involved in the automotive industry, check out Inforum's AutomotiveNEXT group. AutomotiveNEXT is a powerful network and supportive community for women in Automotive that inspires and empowers them to lean in, achieve their full potential, and make a lasting impact in the industry.

The Michigan Automotive Summit—it's that time of year again! It's time for the automotive industry’s foremost thinkers and leaders to take the stage in Detroit and (once again) prove why #MichiganIsAuto.

The MICHauto Summit is an annual conference focusing on how Michigan can leverage its automotive heritage to lead the research, design and manufacturing of next-generation mobility technology.

Whether you've attended the Summit in the past or your a first-timer, there's something exciting for everyone:

1. Learn About New Forces Reshaping Today's Auto Industry

Connectivity. 3-D Printing. Cybersecurity. It's like something out of your favorite comic books! These new technologies are completely altering the traditional ways vehicles are designed and brought to market. At the Summit, hear how automotive leaders are embracing these rapid and widespread changes in order to thrive in the industry’s next era.

2. See How Michigan Wins the Global Mobility Race

Michigan: Where the car is being born - AGAIN. Speakers at the Summit will share exactly why Michigan is uniquely positioned to leverage its numerous assets to maintain its global leadership in next-generation mobility.

Keynotes and panelists include Rick Haas, President and Chief Operating Officer of Mahindra North American Technical Center; Jason Koch, President and Co-founder of Telogis; Harry Lightsey III, Executive Director of Public Policy and Global Connected Customer Experience at General Motors; Andreas Mai, Director of Smart Connected Vehicles at Cisco Systems Inc.; and (last but definitely not least) Rick Snyder, Governor of the State of Michigan.

3. Experience Riding in a Connected Vehicle

This will undoubtedly be my favorite part of the event! Throughout the day, attendees can sign up on a first-come, first-served basis for the unique opportunity to ride in a connected vehicle down Atwater Street along the beautiful Detroit Riverfront. #livingthedream

So join us at the MICHauto Summit on Wednesday, September 30 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Cobo Center in Downtown Detroit. You won't be disappointed!

Last night I attend Ignite Automotive, an evening of automotive themed presentations with a very serious purpose.

There is a widely held belief that the automotive industry is headed toward a human capital crisis. As senior workers exit into retirement, the younger generation of skilled and unskilled workers is showing little interest in pursuing careers in manufacturing--or the auto industry period. Ignite Automotive intends to inspire the next generation.

The evening was filled with engaging speakers from OEMs, automotive suppliers, technology companies, and art schools all pushing the message about how important automotive is to Detroit and how important the people of Detroit are to automotive, no matter what your background.

No one hit this message better than Ignite Auto keynote speaker, Ralph Gilles, Senior Vice President Product Design of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) North America.

This industry is like a chose your own adventure. Each choice taking you down your own path. #IgniteAuto
— Katelyn Davis (@katelynshelby) February 10, 2015

The auto industry is truly for everyone. You decide what it is you want to spend your life doing and there is a good chance there is place for you in automotive. You chose your own adventure.

Obviously automotive needs engineers, basically anyone part of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field, but this industry needs so much other talent.

This is much more than engineering. This industry needs skill sets that didn't exist before. @RalphGilles #IgniteAuto pic.twitter.com/4pAKt8EgJz
— Katelyn Davis (@katelynshelby) February 10, 2015

Here are a few unique examples of what is needed:

• Automotive would not be the global industry it is today without its dedicated supply chain making sure all the products are arriving properly and on time.
• Everyone needs legal counsel and lawyers, right?
• Fashion designers, look no further than automotive! We need to to design beautiful and functional interiors.
• Did you know the auto industry built the advertising industry? Automotive continues to need top notch advertising and marketing professionals to create that consumer buzz and demand to get these cars off the lots and into the garages of people around the world.
• Along with being one of the largest industries in the world comes a lot of money. We need accountants to keep it all straight.
• And to accurately meet the demands of the future, we need futurists to help us keep one step ahead.

We nerd out the details. -@RalphGilles, @Chrysler on automotive design. #IgniteAuto
— Katelyn Davis (@katelynshelby) February 10, 2015

Overall, we need the nerds. Not nerds in the stereotypical sense, but people who are so deeply passionate about what they do. We are a very passionate bunch of people.

But what it's all about is being able to see something born that is part of the world's largest global tech industry.

What motivates @RalphGilles? Seeing something take shape. Giving birth to a car. #IgniteAuto
— Katelyn Davis (@katelynshelby) February 10, 2015

And lastly, it's important to enjoy your time in automotive. It's a fun and innovative place to be.

This is the time to enjoy the ride in automotive. It's fun and it's innovative. #IgniteAuto
— Katelyn Davis (@katelynshelby) February 10, 2015

And it's important to note that the automotive industry isn't a scary place to have your career. It is alive and well! But like with any rapidly changing and evolving industry, there will always be obstacles ahead and we need creative and innovative people to help us move forward.

The automotive industry is alive and well but there are some tough things ahead. We need you. -@RalphGilles, @Chrysler #IgniteAuto
— Katelyn Davis (@katelynshelby) February 10, 2015

I know I push the automotive industry a lot (what can I say, I'm passionate) but in reality, just make sure you're doing what you love!

Drive your career. Enjoy your own ride. -Elaina Farnsworth, @mobilecomply #IgniteAuto
— Katelyn Davis (@katelynshelby) February 10, 2015

As I sit here on the showroom floor from Press Preview of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)—surrounded by shiny new cars, world renowned members of the press, and auto execs and industry professionals from around the world—I am in absolute awe that all of this is taking place in Detroit.

Detroit is often the butt of jokes in the media and we're always a bit of an underdog but there is one thing Detroit does well and that's automotive. This is where it all started. We are the Motor City and building cars is in our DNA. So of course it makes sense for NAIAS to call Detroit home for over a century.

Preview Week at NAIAS is a magical place to be. It starts off with two jam packed days of press conferences with over 50 vehicle debuts. In attendance are more than 5,000 journalists from all over the world as well as all the movers and shakers of the automotive industry.

From dawn until well after dusk, Detroit is over taken by NAIAS. When the press conferences end for the day and the showroom floor closes and preview week attendees move to other venues for afterparty after afterparty. The lights are bright, the music is loud, and the cars are the guests of honor. The momentum never slows. The Motor City never sleeps.

With all of this excitement I am also surprised to find myself, not only a minority as a female but also, a minority representing a younger generation in the automotive industry. This is because there is a serious talent pipeline issue going on around here and I don't understand why.

We Have the Tools
Michigan is home to 16 universities and colleges with nationally ranked undergraduate engineering programs, four of which also have nationally ranked graduate programs. We're educating them. So what's the problem?

The younger generations want to be a part of the tech industry. And sadly, they don't see automotive as a high tech industry and, even worse, they don't see Michigan as a viable place to live and have a career. Both are bad news for Michigan's number one industry.

Auto: World's Largest Tech Industry
The automotive industry is the world's largest global industry. If you look at cultures around the world, not all of them have the latest iPhone or Surface Pro to Google from, but in every country you will see automobiles. And these vehicles are on the forefront of technology. In fact, today's cars have more computing power than the system that guided the Apollo astronauts to the moon. In addition, the typical new-model vehicle comes with 100 million lines of code and includes more code than Microsoft operating systems. And all of this originates in Michigan.

We are the Center of the Automotive World
Michigan remains the epicenter for auto-related research and development where key industry players from around the world have facilities to remain at the forefront of innovation.

Michigan is home to 375 automotive Research and Development (R&D) centers, 120 of which are foreign-owned proving that Michigan is known as the home of automotive around the globe. Fifteen U.S. and foreign-owned automakers have R&D facilities in Michigan accounting for $8.9 billion or 76 percent of $12 billion in U.S. R&D business—leading the nation in automotive related R&D.

In fact, we have a long standing history of leading the way. Between 1964 and 2012, Michigan accounted for more than 27 percent of the automotive patents issued nationwide, averaging one automotive patent earned in Michigan per day for 49 years straight. This outpaces every state in the nation by more than 300 percent.

During the NAIAS, the Detroit Regional Chamber and MICHauto will be sharing the #MichiganIsAuto hashtag, creating a buzz around all that is happening at the show and promoting Michigan automotive industry as a whole. They are asking for everyone to step up and be a #MichiganIsAuto ambassador throughout the month of January.

Whether it’s the state’s manufacturing know-how, automotive infrastructure, or the engineering talent to drive future innovations, use the #MichiganIsAuto hashtag to showcase the reasons why Michigan is the epicenter of the industry to the world.

Check out our 5th grade @MICHauto " http://t.co/EJIDQc6PHR #MichiganisAuto
— jodie randazzo (@jodierandazzo) January 16, 2015

.@DustinPWalsh: #MichiganIsAuto to me for more reasons than what fits into a social media post. http://t.co/0vvl8e0U08 via @CrainsDetroit
— MICHauto (@MICHauto) January 9, 2015

#MichiganIsAuto @wsuprssa @NAIASDetroit @MICHauto pic.twitter.com/W3dguyIy44
— kristin shaw (@k5haw) January 15, 2015

One of the top three design schools in the USA calls Detroit home: @CCS_Detroit. #NAIAS #MichiganIsAuto pic.twitter.com/249SdrqYpt
— Charlie Wollborg (@CharlieCurve) January 14, 2015

A throng of journalists from around the world pack into each display at #NAIAS to glimpse the future. #MichiganIsAuto pic.twitter.com/rM4gP2725P
— Charlie Wollborg (@CharlieCurve) January 12, 2015

Grab the wheel (or not). Michigan leads in connected vehicle projects & autonomous driving: http://t.co/BzZjUMqe7t #MichiganIsAuto #NAIAS
— Charlie Wollborg (@CharlieCurve) January 12, 2015

#MichiganIsAuto: 10 Reasons Why The Automotive Industry is Critical to Michigan http://t.co/yD2hOdGh0K via @MLive
— Katelyn Davis (@katelynshelby) January 20, 2015

Such a wonderful way to praise the Michigan auto industry. Great project idea, @MICHauto! #NAIAS #MichiganIsAuto pic.twitter.com/XVpOsD5zhl
— Diana Nowak (@Diana_Nowak) January 17, 2015

#MichiganIsAuto: @Google's Driverless Cars Being Built in Livonia http://t.co/tVUaPcj6tf Hopes to go to market in 5 years.
— Katelyn Davis (@katelynshelby) January 16, 2015

Michigan has more industrial engineers (31,330) and mechanical engineers (23,760) than any other state. #leaders #MichiganIsAuto @MICHauto
— Alex King (@AKMuskie) January 16, 2015

Michigan is the leader for auto manufacturing in the US, with over 13,000 new manufacturing jobs since 2010. #MichiganIsAuto @MICHauto
— Alex King (@AKMuskie) January 16, 2015

#MichiganIsAuto: MI's vehicle production in 2013 was 2.47M, exceeded prerecession level of 2.3M, outpreforming any other state by over 1M.
— Katelyn Davis (@katelynshelby) January 16, 2015

#MichiganIsAuto: @Android to expand in #Detroit, add 131 jobs, as part of @GM vehicle contracts http://t.co/RrW5YqavNB
— Katelyn Davis (@katelynshelby) January 15, 2015

"Welcome to Michigan, where the automotive industry isn't simply a business, it's our way of life." - @onetoughnerd #MichiganIsAuto
— Katelyn Davis (@katelynshelby) January 15, 2015

Today I was inspired by a Socrates quote which is helping me to deal with some feels I'm feeling.

"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new."

Sounds so simple, right?

Yesterday Gov. Rick Snyder signed a bill that ensures Tesla Motors, the Silicon Valley automaker, can't sell cars directly to consumers in Michigan, which was heavily supported by Michigan's powerful auto dealer lobby.

There are a plethora of "reasons" however the main thorn in their side comes from Tesla wanting to sell cars through "stores" instead of franchised dealers, which today is the standard of the automotive industry. No other automakers do this. Supporters argue Michigan should have a business environment where all participants play by a common set of rules.

This is the silliest thing I've ever heard.

A "common set of rules" will suppress competitiveness, which is the backbone of businesses. It will suppress innovation based on fear of the same banishment and because innovation and change have now been made unnecessary for a successful business. And without a culture based on innovation, Michigan has just suppressed the automotive industry, its pride and joy.

Just because we didn't do it first doesn't mean it isn't a good idea. 

Business and the industry need to keep up with the needs and lifestyles of a new generation, a generation that is far different and complex from anything else we've seen. Those who are unwilling to change to meet their demands, will be pushed aside.

Just because we didn't do it first doesn't mean we can't do it better.

If the industry spent half as much time, energy, resources, and money on change as they have on fighting the new model, maybe they would have been able to develop a competitive solution that could have, once again, put Detroit's auto industry on the map.

In the words of, Detroit billionaire, Dan Gilbert on the ban: "Why don't you man up and compete like everybody else does?"

Tomorrow I'll be attending MICHauto's Michigan Automotive Summit for the second year in a row.

Last year after attending the first ever, Michigan Automotive Summit (MAS) I published a blog called Why You Should Rethink a Career in Automotive, which continues to be read and shared all over Michigan, the industry, and beyond. During last year's event is really when I became highly engaged in the automotive industry and from then on, I have been preaching its wonders!


The day-long MICHauto Summit, held on Tuesday, September 23, will showcase the talent, R&D, and supply chain that drives Michigan’s automotive industry from concept to consumer. Check out the top four reasons why you can’t miss this event:

1. Hear from Experts in the Automotive Industry
Attendees will get a feel for the state of the automotive industry in Michigan through panel discussions and keynote speakers such as Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan; Ralph Gilles, President and CEO, Motorsports; Senior Vice President, Product Design, Chrysler Group LLC; Mark Reuss, Vice President of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain, General Motors Co.; Andy Ridgway, President, IAV Automotive Engineering, Inc.; and Michigan Govenor Rick Snyder.

2. Witness the Next Generation of Automotive Talent
Get a first look at the future of Michigan’s automotive industry at the ‘Michigan at Work‘ display, sponsored by Ford Motor Company, featuring some of the state’s top students and organizations engaged in the automotive industry. Browse clay model designs for Michigan’s OEMs, 3-D printing and robotics demonstrations from the College for Creative Studies, TechShop Detroit, and Square One Education Network.

3. Get Up Close With 10 ‘Made in Michigan’ Vehicles
The ‘Made in Michigan’ display features vehicles that are designed, engineered, and/or manufactured in Michigan. Sponsored by Pure Michigan and developed in partnership with the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA), the display is debuting at the Summit. Located in the Summit exhibit and foyer areas, the display features 10 vehicles by Chrysler Group LLC., Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co., Nissan North America, Inc., and Toyota Motor Corp.

4. Help Put Michigan Back to Work
Building off of programs at other Chamber events, the MICHauto Summit will showcase three veterans looking to become leaders in Michigan’s workforce and IAV Automotive Engineering, Inc. is sponsoring students from five metro Detroit universities to attend the Summit and learn about career opportunities that exist in the industry.

If you cannot attend...

I will be providing live coverage through the MICHauto Twitter and Instagram accounts of all the speakers and activities taking place throughout the day. You can follow the event online at

These statistics come from Automation Alley, a technology business association and business accelerator dedicated to growing the economy of Southeast Michigan and enhancing the region’s reputation around the world. Automation Alley offers talent and business development programs and services to tech-focused businesses of all sizes — from startups to large corporations — to help them grow and prosper.

Since its founding in 1999, Automation Alley’s membership has grown to include nearly 1,000 businesses, educational institutions, government entities and nonprofit organizations from the city of Detroit and the surrounding eight-county region. Automation Alley provides a variety of exclusive benefits to its members to help them succeed, including networking opportunities, meeting space and public relations tools. Automation Alley also serves the general business community in five key areas: entrepreneurial services, talent development, international business services, product lifecycle management, and defense and manufacturing.

Automation Alley collaborates with regional partners to provide its members and clients with the best business resources available, to drive local economic growth, and to positively influence the stories being told around the globe about the people and businesses of Greater Detroit.

This week TIME released their annual "Person of the Year" edition, an award given to Pope Francis for 2013. Since the announcement there has been a lot of buzz about the number of female awardees since TIME started this tradition in 1927, 89 years ago. Sadly you can count the number of female award winners on both hands.

Every year a person is given the namesake "Person of the Year" by, for good or bad, most affecting the news and our lives. Past winners include almost every president, international political figures, and business figureheads—but these are seldom every women. The women that have won usually made the cut due to their status by marriage (Madame Chiang Kai-Sheck shared her "Man and Wife of the Year" award in 1937 with her husband) or by hereditary (Elizabeth II in 1952). "American Women" as a whole also won the award in 1975 but that felt a little patronizing.

To address the backlash TIME has been receiving about being behind in the times by not recognizing the efforts of individual women around the world, Radihika Jones, Deputing Managing Editor of TIME, published an article to address the gender imbalance of the magazine's Person of the Year award. Her statements, however truthful and blunt, are a harsh reminder of what women are up against:

"It seems like too few women, over the course of nearly nine decades. But it’s a fair reminder that for much of TIME’s history, women seldom held the kinds of positions of power that would set them up for Person of the Year status. But we still haven’t seen a female President, nor are our corporate ranks exactly overflowing with female CEOs—two job categories that often feed the Person of the Year machine. As long as those imbalances exist in the real world, it would be wishful thinking to try to balance them on an annual cover of a magazine."

Love it or hate it—it's the truth.

I find this statement especially interesting considered the timing. Jones published this article one day after General Motors named Mary Barra as its new CEO succeeding Dan Akerson. This change in leadership makes her the first woman CEO in automotive.

In September I had the pleasure of hearing Akerson, then Chairman and CEO of GM, speak about the gender imbalance in automotive at the 2013 Michigan Automotive Summit—an event that change my perception of the industry. Akerson admitted:

"Right now they're car guys. Someday one of the Detroit Big 3 will be run by a non-car gal."

I think a lot of us saw this as foreshadowing to Barra's rise, she was already one of the highest ranking women in the industry, but I was surprised by how quickly this statement became a reality!

I don't think there is any question that we are at the dawn of smart cars. Soon the frustrations of forgetting where you parked, unknown car troubles, and poor driving habits will be in the past thanks to new advances in automotive technologies--including vehicle locators, fuel efficiency tracking, and mobile car care.

Mobile technology is driving auto innovation, from Android-powered cars to augmented reality.

With most manufacturers making connected cars by 2015, what are drivers looking for in auto tech? They want their vehicle to be an extension of themselves--an extension of their smartphone and all generations and both genders show high potential to purchase connected and app-linking technologies but safety must always come first.

Augmented Reality can now deliver important information to drivers in a way that’s accessible and consumable, but also less intrusive or distracting than previous methods. And the dawn of the “Android Car” might not be as far off as you think – we could be buying cars running entirely on Google’s mighty mobile OS before the end of the decade.

To read about these future of automotive technologies plus cyber attacks on cars, automated driving, and more, check out this trend report by Mutual Mobile you can ready about how car manufactures are using mobile to drive auto advancements and what that means for your future.

This trend report is really a broad overview and crash course into automotive tech. It's pretty simple and not too technical. I highly recommend it for people who just have a general curiosity for technology but don't know much about cars.

Click here to download Mutual Mobile's Automotive Trend Report: Volume 1.

And if you enjoy this report, look out for the follow-up issue coming soon. The future issue will go even deeper, covering advances like how you'll use your smart phone to buy a car, how Mercedes-Benz is using scannables to aid first aid responders, and why Ford is moving away from touchscreens.

I don't generally write about automotive because I'm not a "car girl," I'm simply a PR girl who fell into working in the automotive industry. But last week after attending the 2013 Michigan Automotive Summit (MAS) sponsored by MichAuto I was inspired to share my experience with as many people as possible.

This was the first of what will be a yearly, all day summit featuring high level speakers from industry, academia, and government agencies. This year's theme among speakers was a resurgence in the automotive industry in Detroit, how to get the younger generation excited about automotive, and the technological advancements in automotive's near future.

The day was filled with top notch presenters that came together to form a really big sales pitch for the automotive industry and all I kept thinking was: I want to share this with all my friends. No. I HAVE to share this with everyone.

The automotive industry is ideal for new grads. 

So many of my friends, family, and online connections who recently graduated and are still trying to figure out where they belong. When I suggest automotive, I always hear comments like "I don't know anything about cars," or just a plain "No thanks."

If you live in Metro Detroit, like me, then chances are at least one of your parents worked in the industry and at least half of your neighbors did too. The automotive industry in Detroit was huge and booming and then it wasn't anymore and then it laid off nearly its entire workforce. At the time, most of us were in college and family fiances got tough and things didn't go as planned so we swore off automotive. It turned our lives upside down in a bad way. We insisted we wouldn't fall victim like our parents.

Yes, the automotive industry did take away your parents and all these other peoples' jobs but the automotive industry is one of our country's oldest and largest manufacturing sectors in U.S. history -- always has been and always will be. And now, it's growing again! Here's some soundbites for you:

• There is a potential for growth of 100,000 jobs in Michigan for mobility technology by 2025. That's a lot of jobs! 
• Right now, 8 million private sector jobs can be traced back to the automotive industry. 
• An undisclosed Asian OEM Executive said, "We go to Michigan because that's where the engineers are." That means Detroit is still known for automotive, globally, despite everything that has happened. 
• Of the $29 billion in automotive investments made in the U.S., $21.5 billion were made here. Everyone is investing in Detroit.

I never would have seen myself working in the automotive industry. Sure my mom works in the industry, my dad is a life-long, die hard Ford guy, and I grew up at Detroit Dragway watching my him race but I wanted to be in the tech industry. Maybe a start up. I wanted to be part of a high tech world. I wanted to be a part of something that made a difference in the world. I wanted to make a difference! Sound like you're kind of career? Think about this:

• The automobile is one of the most high-tech consumer products on the market combining not only the obvious engineering but also new media digital applications including web and mobile phone connectivity and other smart technologies. 
• Michigan is the leader in automotive research and development in the U.S. with $12 billion spent last year. Michigan ranks second globally behind Japan. And we are the leader in tooling with 1 in 3 U.S. tooling centers calling Michigan home. How's that for innovation?!
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) has a goal of zero fatalities from traffic crashes and right now, thanks to the innovative people in auto, this isn't so far fetched and might be achieved in my lifetime therefor making the roads safer for me, my kids, and millions of people around the world. 
• Then there are autonomous vehicles. Cars that drive themselves. Can you even believe it? Mind blown. And Snyder says the standards for these vehicles have to be established in Michigan first... we are the Motor City, of course!

MAS is the TEDx of the automotive industry.

As a young professional working in the automotive industry nothing excited me more than listening to these influential people speak and being surrounded by such passionate individuals. And this event couldn't have been at a better time and place. Automotive is the heart of Detroit and right now automotive and Detroit are in the middle of a rebirth. We need more of these types of people and these types of events to keep the city and the industry moving forward.



Below is a review of this year's speakers and panelists:

• Rick Snyder, Governor, State of Michigan
  Automotive Michigan's Foundation - Persevering through the Great Recession, the automotive industry demonstrated unparalleled resiliency and adaptability. As a result, automotive innovation, investment and job creation are leading factors in the revitalization of Michigan’s economy. One of the fastest growing economies in the U.S., Michigan’s automotive future is bright and the state is supporting its foundational industry by developing an aggressive strategy to enhance its place as the epicenter of the growing global automotive industry.
  
• Jay Baron, President and CEO, Center for Automotive Research
  Paving the Way: Automotive Economic Growth - From tax revenue and investment to job creation and spin-off development, no state has stronger ties to the automotive industry than Michigan. With global demand for automobiles increasing, researchers are forecasting production and employment growth for the foreseeable future. Michigan is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth. Hear from a leading automotive expert on the economic impact of the automotive industry in Michigan and the opportunities that exist to expand the state’s supply chain footprint.
  
• Competitive Advantage: Research and Development
  Panel: Thomas Apostolos, President, Ricardo, Inc. - Osamu “Simon” Nagata, President and CEO, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing N.A., Inc. - Jeffrey Owens, Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President, Delphi - John Rakolta, Jr., Chairman and CEO, Walbridge
  Moderator: John McElroy, Host, “Autoline”
  Innovation has always been the backbone of the automotive industry. As the automobile continues to evolve into the most technically advanced consumer product on the market, Michigan’s automotive research and development capabilities provide the state an inherent competitive advantage. This panel discussion will highlight Michigan companies involved in cutting-edge automotive R&D and explore the advantages of undertaking such projects in Michigan.
  
• The Next Generation: Workforce of the Future
  Panel: Soha Kadry, Engineering Supervisor, Yazaki North America - Brandy Goolsby, Global Commercial Vehicle Business and Product Strategy Analyst, Ford Motor Company - Brian Hunt, Embedded Software Engineer, American Axle & Manufacturing - Sarah Verner, Restraints Design Engineer, Nissan Technical Center North America
  Moderator: Rob Luce, Program Manager, MICHauto, Detroit Regional Chamber
  Michigan’s automotive talent is second to none. Career opportunities for young professionals are endless, ranging from engineering and design to software development and marketing. Hear from a group of recent college graduates who play an integral role in the automotive industry, elaborating on what attracted them to the field and why more young professionals should consider an automotive career.
  

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Just as Facebook prepares for its big IPO this week, the Wall Street Journal is reporting, automotive giant, General Motors plans to drop its Facebook advertising.

A spokesman for the U.S. automaker confirmed, saying that GM's marketing executives had determined that Facebook's ads had little impact on consumers. According to the Journal, GM marketing chief Joel Ewanick said the auto maker, "is definitely reassessing our advertising on Facebook, although the content is effective and important.”

According to new figures by WordStream, Facebook ranks incredibly low as far as click-through rates (CTR) go.  The average CTR for an online ad is just 0.1 per cent. Google has an above average CTR, standing at 0.4 per cent. Facebook, however, has a lowly CTR of 0.051 per cent.

So what does this mean?


Is Facebook an effective medium for advertising? If a big brand like GM with a wide audience range can't hack it, will Facebook advertising continue to gain success?

I almost fear that this very public display of GM's dissatisfaction with Facebook ads will cause other companies to re-evaluate their ROI and possible follow suit and abandon ship.

What do you think? I'm interested in hearing your opinion on this topic. Could this be Facebook downfall--or at least it's biggest flop to date? What can Facebook do to entice users to click and interact with the online ads?
 
Join the discussion! Leave thought thoughts in the comments below!

The North American International Auto Show is an exciting time for the automotive world and for Detroit, who hosts the big event. I live in Detroit and I also work in the automotive industry (with a supplier that supplies to virtually every major automotive manufacturer and many of their Tier-suppliers).

I'm not so much of a car fan as I am a technology fan. But as it turns out, cars and technology go hand-in-hand -- from social media to energy sources to ....

Here are some of the "non-automotive" things I learned from NAIAS...

1.  High tech everywhere!  If you're a tech nerd and looking for employment, turn to the automotive industry. It doesn't matter if you're a car fan or not, they produce some seriously awesome technologies. From parallel parking assistance, to hands-free systems controls to this (concept) iPhone dock in a steering wheel. The possibilities are endless!

Photo courtesy of The Detroit News