The mobility industry in Michigan has been highlighted as a critical part of the state's economy, encompassing traditional automotive manufacturing alongside emerging sectors such as automotive technology, electrification, connected and automated vehicles, and transportation infrastructure. A recent report from MichAuto, drawing on data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, indicates that traditional motor vehicle manufacturing jobs experienced significant growth from 2019 to 2022, increasing by 19% from 36,987 to 43,984 positions.
Despite this positive trend in motor vehicle manufacturing, the report notes a contrasting decline in motor vehicle parts manufacturing jobs, which saw a reduction of 7%, dropping from 128,701 jobs to 119,812. Nevertheless, the overall transport and mobility sector remains a cornerstone of Michigan's economic landscape, with the report conducted by Lansing-based Public Sector Consultants recognising its wide-reaching impact on job creation. The industry is found to support an additional 525,000 indirect and induced jobs, bringing the total of mobility-related employment to approximately one in five jobs in the state.
The MichAuto report also explores less conventional employment areas related to the mobility industry, which includes telecommunication services and insurance sectors that are not typically mentioned in discussions regarding mobility. "Inclusion of those less apparent but relevant sectors is essential to capturing a more comprehensive view of the industry’s contributions," the report stated. This broader understanding is deemed necessary for identifying job types that could establish Michigan as a leading mobility cluster rich in high-value employment and corporate investment.
In light of the increasing demand for electric and autonomous vehicles, as well as public transportation and logistics solutions, the report highlights the potential for job creation across numerous sectors, including manufacturing, engineering, and software development. The trend towards electrification and automation in the automotive field is positioned as a pivotal factor in shaping the future of job growth in Michigan.
The administration of Governor Gretchen Whitmer has actively promoted the state's attractiveness for mobility jobs, with over $2 billion in economic subsidies earmarked for companies focusing on electric vehicles, EV components, energy storage, and semiconductors. Furthermore, the newly established Office of Future Mobility and Electrification is tasked with outlining state objectives to create jobs and ensure Michigan retains its status as a hub for future mobility and electrification developments.
Source: Noah Wire Services