Michigan gave the automotive industry the upper hand over 100 years ago when it put the world on wheels. Michigan today continues to foster the innovation of how the world moves by serving as the global capital of automotive research and development (R&D). Wherever in the world you complete, Michigan can give you the upper hand.

The sheer concentration of automotive R&D companies and facilities making their home in Michigan represents a story of innovation unparalleled in the world. Why is there a nexus for automotive R&D in Michigan? The story runs long and deep from the time the world’s first automobiles were being produced to the latest in vehicle and alternative energy technology. Companies looking to take advantage of a place where automotive innovation is supported through a strong and continuous stream of highly skilled workers and the industry’s top talent, fostered by a strong network of university programs and research centers, and propelled forward with a myriad of industry resources, need only to come to Michigan to pass through the gateway to global automotive innovation.

Innovation breeds success, and the R&D companies in this edition of the directory have realized significant success in the last several years, including the expansion of their impressive roster. Whether a company is making vehicles travel lighter and swifter, reducing the impact of the movement on the industry to come, or saving lives of those on the go, success is less than six degree away from the companies that choose to have a presence in Michigan.

Through the gateway, there is also potential for companies to connect to one of the most important revolution of mobility today-alternative fuel and powertrains. Michigan is poised to usher in a new era for alternative energy and fuel advancements on the foundation of the state’s current prowess in R&D. The network of companies and resources present in this directory are on the cusp of the next iteration of alternative fuels and hybrid development and waiting for you to join them.

The invitation to come to Michigan is standing, and a new connection is always ready to be made through the gateway. If this story of innovation and success does not engage you, then facts will.

Michigan is the world leader in automotive Research and Development. The density, diversity and depth of Michigan’s vehicle research and development community is unmatched anywhere in the world.

• Over 330 automotive R&D companies
• #1 state for vehicle-related R&D activity, spending $10.7 billion annually and employing and estimated 65,000 professionals statewide
• Michigan’s vehicle-related R&D spending exceeds all other states and countries in North America combined
• 9 0f the 10 world’s largest OEM’s have research, product development, or production facilities in Michigan. (The top 10 produce 85% of the world’s vehicles.)

• Michigan leads the nation in industrial R&D spending per dollar of gross state product. (With $15.2 billion in total industrial R&D spending second only to California.)
• #4 state for engineering graduates
• In 2006, Michigan universities and colleges granted over 6,500 engineering degrees
• The University of Michigan is #2 in the nation for research and development spending, according to the National Science Foundation
• Michigan is ranked seventh for patent. Michigan entrepreneurs, companies and universities filed 3,367 patents in 2005
• Michigan produces more cars and light trucks then any other state-2,516,663in 2006 accounting for 22% of US vehicle production
• Of the top 50 global auto suppliers, 46 have facilities in Michigan