The next couple of weeks are of huge importance to the state
of Michigan, as the North American International Auto Show takes center stage
in downtown Detroit.
The impact of the auto show goes well beyond the automobile industry,
as every resident in the state of Michigan – and most certainly the tri-county
area – are directly impacted by the fortunes of particularly “The Big Three.”
As much as we talk about the need to diversify the state’s economy, the auto
industry remains the 800 pound gorilla and the old saying “as General Motors
goes, so does the state of Michigan” remains as true today as ever.
The near fatal collapse of the domestic auto industry
literally led the state to the brink of financial ruin back in 2008-09, and I
still shudder to think what would have happened if General Motors and/or
Chrysler actually went out of business. The flip side, of course, is when the
Big Three came roaring back it kick-started our economic recovery which
continues today.
Anyone who knows me knows I am not a “car guy.” I view cars
as little more than a means of transportation and I will never be seen hanging
out along Woodward Avenue during Dream Cruise month.
But I do understand and appreciate the unique relationship
our state has with the auto industry and that our member businesses rely on the
tens of thousands of residents whose income is either directly or indirectly
derived from the industry. Just the anticipated profit sharing checks that are
about to be distributed by the Big Three will have a huge impact on
first-quarter sales as retailers and service providers roll out special
advertising to lure a piece of the pie to their doors.
I am old enough to remember how the automotive press sneered
at the cars being made in Detroit as unimaginative, unreliable and badly
trailing the quality of vehicles being produced in Japan, Germany and
elsewhere. Today, nothing could be further from the truth and a visit to the
auto show will quickly change the mind of remaining skeptics. The playing field
has leveled, and we all are direct beneficiaries of the “rebirth” of the
domestic auto industry.
I plan to attend the auto show next week, even though I am
not in the market for a new vehicle. There is so much positive buzz about our
homegrown industry that the energy and excitement at the show is infectious and
I want to be part of that celebration. And who knows, I might just come across
something I can’t resist.
See you at the Auto Show!
Joe Bauman is president of the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber.
He welcomes feedback at joeb@bbcc.com
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