NAIAS Expanding AutoMobili-D to Connect Tech and Auto Industry with Talent Needed to Develop Future Product and Mobility Innovations

DETROIT, April 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- People attending the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January will have the opportunity to see the latest models -- and potentially gain the chance to design or build the next generation of vehicles and technologies.

AutoMobili-D, the show's mobility and technology showcase, will remain open throughout the first weekend of Public Show (Jan. 20-21) for the 2018 auto show to connect people interested in working in all aspects of the auto industry with companies at the first Future Automotive Career Exposition (FACE). The event, a partnership with NAIAS and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, was announced by Roger Curtis, director of the Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development, today at the Governor's Education & Talent Summit in Lansing.

"Michigan is the world's automotive leader, and we are working to hold that title for generations to come," Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said. "But to do that, we must become the national leader in developing and attracting talent. The auto industry, like others, faces challenges in filling jobs it needs to further grow and innovate. The NAIAS is the perfect place for people who love cars and have in-demand skills to connect with industry representatives looking for talent."

More than 180 different brands participated at the inaugural launch of AutoMobili-D -- where innovations in mobility technologies and platforms were announced and showcased -- as part of the 2017 NAIAS.

The space included automakers, suppliers and startups. More than 5,000 journalists from across the world and nearly 40,000 industry executives, engineers, developers and analysts, were able to experience these groundbreaking developments first-hand.

"AutoMobili-D was an overwhelming success as industry-leading companies and thought leaders came together under one roof to showcase and discuss future industry paths," said Rod Alberts, NAIAS executive director. "We're grateful to the longstanding support from Gov. Snyder and the State of Michigan in keeping NAIAS and Michigan as the global epicenter for automotive technology."

At FACE, participating AutoMobili-D companies will have the opportunity to interact face-to-face with qualified candidates and fill needed positions across a wide array of disciplines.

"We are continually looking for ways to connect with more people, put a face behind our exciting industry and make NAIAS bigger and better each year," said Ryan LaFontaine, 2018 NAIAS chairman. "With over 200,000 attendees on the first weekend of Public Show, we saw a real opportunity to collaborate with MEDC and connect job-seekers directly with innovative companies eager to address their respective talent shortages."

More information regarding AutoMobili-D's Future Automotive Career Exposition will be announced in the coming months leading into the 2018 NAIAS.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community and talent development with the focus on growing Michigan's economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Visit Pure Michigan Talent Connect at www.mitalent.org for more information on Michigan's online marketplace for connecting job seekers and employers. Join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

About the North American International Auto Show
Now in its 30^th year as an international event, the NAIAS is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world, providing unparalleled access to the automotive products, technologies, people and ideas that matter most – up close and in one place. Administered by executive director Rod Alberts, the NAIAS is one of the largest media events in North America, and the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world. For more information, visit naias.com.

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2018 NAIAS Dates:
The Gallery – Saturday, January 13, 2018
AutoMobili-D – Sunday-Sunday, January 14-21, 2018
Press Preview – Monday-Tuesday, January 14-16, 2018
Industry Preview – Wednesday-Thursday, January 17-18, 2018
Charity Preview – Friday, January 19, 2018
Public Show – Saturday-Sunday, January 20-28, 2018

SOURCE North American International Auto Show