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Michigan's Technology Showcase Opens Door for Innovative Auto Suppliers

25 November 1997

Michigan's Technology Showcase Opens Door for Innovative Auto Suppliers

    DETROIT, Nov. 25 -- The 1998 Society of Automotive Engineer's
(SAE) Congress and Exposition presents a golden opportunity for a handful of
innovative auto suppliers to show their latest advances to the most important
audience in the world -- the Big Three and Tier One auto manufacturers.
    The upcoming SAE Congress, to be held in Detroit in February, will be the
forum for a technology showcase, sponsored by the Michigan Jobs Commission,
SAE, and the research consulting firm MERRA, to help Michigan companies --
large and small -- develop strategic alliances and technology exchanges.
    The showcase will allow selected auto suppliers to make brief
demonstrations of their new technologies.  They will show off their best to a
panel of world class potential customers, including Ford Motor Company,
Chrysler Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc., Fiat Auto R&D USA,
Lear Corporation, General Motors, Porsche, Eaton Corporation and Delphi Energy
& Engine Management.
    MERRA, which has organized similar panels for the life sciences industry,
is orchestrating the auto suppliers' showcase.  The showcase technique is most
commonly employed by venture capitalists, to determine companies to support
financially.
    Companies participating in the Jobs Commission's Global Auto Supplier
Mission are eligible to be considered for the technology showcase.  In
addition to the showcase, the Mission includes a business matchmaking effort,
several trade-related seminars, and on-site technical assistance in the
Michigan/SAE International Guest Center.  For information on any of these
programs, contact the Michigan Jobs Commission at 517-373-9808 or on the
Internet at http://mjc.state.mi.us.

SOURCE  Michigan Jobs Commission