MBN On The Road | Glenn Stevens Jr. MichAuto, Detroit Policy Conference 2026 Overview and Updates

Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, MBN was on the road at the Hudson's site in Detroit, for this year's Detroit Policy Conference, put on by the Detroit Regional Chamber. The event centered on the "New Leadership Era," featuring discussions on the city's future, economic development, and regional policy. This interview was with Glenn Stevens, head of MichAuto, and Chief Automotive and Innovation Officer of the Detroit Regional Chamber catching us up on things since we were together at CAR's MBS in September, also in Detroit. MichAuto’s 2025 State of Automobility report underscores Michigan’s continued leadership in automotive and mobility — yet warns that global competitors, especially China, are gaining ground. Michigan must innovate to maintain its edge in EVs and advanced mobility technologies. MichAuto is calling for urgent, coordinated action to keep Michigan competitive as the auto and mobility industry faces tech disruption, trade uncertainty, and shifting consumer demands. A December convening of industry leaders reinforced the need to innovate now. MichAuto released its new State of Automobility report, urging diversification into AI, automation, and advanced tech. The group is actively advocating for USMCA stability, welcomed updated fuel economy standards for planning certainty, and elevated Michigan’s voice nationally and globally through policy, media, and leadership roles. The 2026 Detroit Policy Conference, which focused on the region's new leadership era, economic growth, and cross-sector collaboration. The conference brought together approximately 1300 regional leaders to address crucial economic and community challenges in the Detroit region.