March-April 2010
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Rent to Sell
The residential real-estate market in metro Detroit and Michigan can be summed up fairly quickly: It’s a great time to buy, a tough time to sell.
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Waiting on a Recovery
It may be a blip on the screen, or the harbinger of a modest recovery, but the most recent data for metro Detroit shows a slight rise in office and industrial leasing.
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Hoot’s World
For nearly 75 years, Hoot McInerney’s knack for selling cars allowed him to rub shoulders with U.S. presidents, foreign dignitaries, celebrities, and industry icons. And the party’s not over. Not by a long shot.
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Celling Out
Toiling day and night to eradicate debilitating diseases like Parkinson’s and ALS, U-M neurologist Eva Feldman is benefiting from a new state constitutional amendment on stem-cell research — and she just might be the next Jonas Salk.
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Mixing Oil and Water
Running an oil business is no easy task. Prices can fluctuate wildly, there are no guarantees of striking it rich, and strict drilling regulations and strident environmentalists offer plenty of roadblocks.
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Centurial Returns
Lasting 100 years or more isn’t easy. Luck and fortune play a part, as do steadfast commitment and the devotion of family business owners as they strive to prepare the next generation of successful leaders.
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A Clean, Steamed Machine
A Detroit franchisor finds success melding green principles with a rapid response system.
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On Gossamer Wings: DBusiness’ 2011 Car of the Year
The Cadillac XTS Platinum concept, which melds luxury and refinement, has an almost spiritual quality.
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A Great Leap Forward
China offers plenty of growth potential for the Big Three, but to gain further traction, the automakers must stay ahead of consumer tastes, expand into rural markets, and hope that government protectionists don’t squeeze them out.
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High-Rollers
Behind the scenes of Detroit’s glitzy gambling dens, large-screen TVs, exquisite jewelry, luxurious hotel stays, and a day at the spa are just some of the gifts commonly showered on their high-rollers.
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PDA Q&A: Francois Castaing
DBusiness interviews the chairman of the Detroit Science Center.
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Gaming the Market
Greater competition for entertainment dollars, combined with Ohio’s new casinos, will affect Michigan’s gaming industry like never before.
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20 Largest Law Firms
When legal challenges arise, metro Detroit business leaders don’t often venture far for expert advice. Here’s our list of Michigan’s largest.
GM Supports Event Data Recorder (EDR) Mandate to Improve Vehicle Safety
General Motors applauds Representative Gene Green (D-TX) for his support of a Federal mandate to install Event Data Recorders (EDRs) in all new vehicles.
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Bavarian Rhapsody
From single-barrel delivery in the 1850s, Stroh’s rose to become the Motor City’s leading brew. But 20th-century overexpansion forced the company’s sale, bringing an inglorious end to its unique Detroit traditions.
Chimovitz Industries Celebrates Ten Years In Business, Moves Into New Office, Hires and Adds Services
Chimovitz Industries was founded in 2000 by Jared Chimovitz and has grown to become the premier computer support company in the Metro Detroit area, specializing in small office and in-home office computer solutions, including server, desktop and laptop computers support – on and off-site.
GM Announces New North American Leadership Team
General Motors today announced a restructured North American organization with a number of key leadership changes.
Freezing breast tumors helps stop cancer’s spread in mice, U-M study finds
Cryoablation generates immune response that kills metastases in mice. Clinical trial open now to evaluate this technique in patients.
Asterand Announces the Launch of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Molecular Pathology Services
Asterand plc, a leading provider of human tissue and human tissue-based services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies engaged in drug discovery, today announced that it has launched Good Laboratory Practice compliant molecular pathology services supporting preclinical safety studies.
Oakland County Garners AAA Rating Despite Challenging Times
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson announces that Wall Street has reaffirmed Oakland County’s AAA bond rating – a remarkable feat in a struggling economy.
Plante & Moran Offers 2010 Outlook for Beleaguered U.S. Auto Dealership Industry
Hope Persists as Adjustment to “New Normal” Continues
Mercedes-Benz Financial Expands Mobile Platform to Include smartphones
Mercedes-Benz Financial is now the first automotive financial services company to expand personalized and convenient account management features to all of its customers using smartphones like BlackBerry®, Droid ®, and other mobile devices with internet capability.
TARDEC Scientists Awarded 2010 Research Grants to Pursue Sensor-Enhanced Armor Technology
The day when U.S. Soldiers will drive “smart- armor” vehicles that tell occupants when they are damaged has moved closer to reality.
Compuware-Ponemon Benchmark Study Identifies Prominent Privacy, Data Security Vulnerabilities to Financial Services
Compuware Corporation today announced the results of a benchmark study, commissioned by Compuware and conducted by the Ponemon Institute(C).
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100 Over 100: The List
A detailed list of Metro Detroit’s oldest companies.
New Mustang V-6 With 305 HP Makes History as First Car With 300+ HP and 30+ MPG
New 2011 Ford Mustang V-6 final fuel economy certified by EPA this week at 31 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city.
Chrysler Group LLC Announces Executive Appointments
In a continued effort to focus on core competencies and efficiencies, Chrysler Group LLC today named two appointments within its executive ranks.
Capitol Insiders: Engler buries Blanchard in mock Rematch
Lobby Guide Litmus Test: Engler wins on economics; Blanchard on protecting safety net.
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Cherry Creek Banquet Center Wine Tasting
The Shelby-Macomb Daybreakers Kiwanis Club hosted “An Evening of Fine Wines and Specialty Suds” on Feb. 24 at the Cherry Creek Banquet Center in Shelby Township. More than 100 people enjoyed 100 wines, 16 microbrews, live music, and a strolling buffet. The featured sommelier was Ted Moss of Vince and Joe’s Gourmet Market in Shelby Township.
SE Michigan economy may be picking up steam
key indicators in monthly survey trending upward
Motor Trend Declares ‘Buick is Back!’
For the first time in 28 years, Buick dominates the cover of Motor Trend magazine, along with a headline declaring “Buick is Back!”
Michigan school districts are in survival mode – Fighting to keep doors open
Embattled Michigan school districts are bracing for per-pupil cuts of at least $400 in the 2010-11 school year unless the Legislature and governor take rapid steps to secure additional money for K-12 education.
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Michigan Tax Appeal Season
Jumana Judeh, president and CEO of Judeh & Associates, a real estate consulting and appraisal firm in Dearborn, has never been busier. Tax appeals for homeowners and businesses are mounting as filing deadlines loom in April and May. In addition to offering analysis on the the various real estate markets in the state and region, Judeh also addresses job growth efforts such as the Aerotropolis initiative around Detroit Metro and Willow Run airports, including the need to add a seventh runway at Detroit Metro.
Amway Parent Grows to $8.4 Billion in 2009
Amway’s parent company, Alticor Inc., announced record sales of more than US $8.4 billion for the year ended Dec. 31, 2009, which was a 2.3 percent increase over 2008.
Leading Technology and Health Care IT Investors to Headline Annual Michigan Growth Capital Symposium
Panel Discussions, Keynote Addresses and Company Presentations to Shine Spotlight on the Extraordinary Innovation and Investment Opportunities in the Midwest
Jack Roush To Be Honored With Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award
On Friday, March 12 Jack Roush will receive the highest compliment in the hot rod world as he will be presented with the Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award.
O’Keefe & Associates Earns Finalist Honors In The M&A Advisor’s National Turnaround Awards
The M&A Advisor has recognized the bankruptcy reorganization and turnaround expertise of O’Keefe and Associates with multiple finalist honors in three separate categories of The M&A Advisor’s 4th Annual Turnaround Awards.
Analyst Study Shows Employees Continue to Put Data at Risk
Second annual study sponsored by Absolute Software shows that business managers continue to disregard practices designed to secure their laptops and the data on them
Lineup, Ticket Information & New Sponsor Announced For 2010 Movement Electronic Music Festival In Detroit
Movement Electronic Music Festival May 29-31 in Detroit’s Hart Plaza
Some older ER patients are getting the wrong medicines, U-M study finds
A University of Michigan study recently published in Academic Emergency Medicine says that it is common for patients 65 and older to receive potentially inappropriate medications when treated in an emergency room.
University of Michigan scientists identify chemical isolated from bananas as potent inhibitor of HIV infection
A potent new HIV inhibitor derived from bananas may open the door to new treatments to prevent sexual transmission of HIV, according to a University of Michigan Medical School study published this week.
Former Chairman and CEO of General Motors Joins Genesis
Genesis Fluid Solutions Holdings, Inc. today announced Robert C. Stempel will join its Board of Directors, increasing the company’s board to four directors.
Walsh College and Insurance Broker Burns & Wilcox Partner to ‘Bring Out the Best in Working Professionals’
A longstanding relationship between Walsh College and North America’s largest MGA/wholesale insurance broker has evolved into a partnership that promotes employee training and skill-building.
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Brother Rice Business Alliance at Andiamo’s
Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, a Michigan gubernatorial candidate, was the featured speaker for the National City/PNC Brother Rice Business Alliance mixer at Andiamo Bloomfield Township on Mar. 9. More than 100 business leaders enjoyed drinks and appetizers in addition to supporting a scholarship program.
New joint venture unveils Green Machine to capture largest untapped energy source in the industrial Midwest
Pro Renewables, a new Michigan-based energy solutions company, launched today at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, will lead the Midwest deployment of the Green Machine, an innovative technology that turns waste heat into usable electricity.
Federal-Mogul’s Breakthrough in Crankshaft Seal Design Offers Fuel Savings and Reduced CO2 Emissions
Federal-Mogul Corporation, a leading global supplier of technologies that enhance safety and improve powertrain efficiency, has developed an innovative new seal design, called MicroTorq(TM), that reduces friction by up to 70 percent versus conventional lip-type seals.
Business Leaders Issues 2010 Benchmarking Report
Business Leaders for Michigan today released a comprehensive benchmarking report that assessed Michigan’s economic competitiveness on more than one hundred factors important to job creation.
Visteon Files Amended Plan of Reorganization and Disclosure Statement
Visteon Corporation today filed an amended plan of reorganization and disclosure statement with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, reflecting the company’s improved operating and financial performance, as well as recovering industry and market conditions.
Environmental Regulation to Significantly Shape M&A and Strategic Relationships in the Global Automotive Industry
Complex environmental regulations, combined with overcapacity and highly competitive global markets, should lead to increased mergers and acquisitions in the global automotive sector.
Brooks Kushman’s Kramer Honored as a 2010 ‘Leader in the Law’ by Michigan Lawyers Weekly
Anessa Owen Kramer, a shareholder at Brooks Kushman P.C. – a leading intellectual property (IP) and commercial law firm – has been honored as a 2010 “Leader in the Law” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
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Dancing With the Stars
Successfully Single Inc. hosted a fundraiser to benefit the American Red Cross Haiti Relief efforts on March 13 at the San Marino Club in Troy. The evening event included a dance competition with local celebrities as well as a dance showcase.
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St. Patrick’s Day with News/Talk 760 WJR
WJR-AM’s Morning Host Paul W. Smith hosted the radio station’s annual St. Patrick’s Day party at the Detroit Athletic Club on March 17. The event drew more than 300 of the region’s business, education, and political luminaries.
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St. Patrick’s Day at Dooley’s Tavern
Irish eyes were smiling on March 17 at Dooley’s Tavern in Sterling Heights. More than 1,000 people paid tribute to St. Patrick and the Emerald Isle throughout the day.
Help Delta Air Lines win a direct route to Tokyo
The Detroit Regional Chamber urges you to take a moment to contact United States Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, on behalf of chamber member Delta Air Lines.
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WSU researcher receives NSF CAREER award to develop tools to help understand and manage large software systems
Increasing the speed and efficiency by which computer programmers manage large amounts of computer code is the goal of a Wayne State researcher and recipient of a National Science Foundation (NSF) Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award.
Seesmart LED Receives Intellectual Property License for LED Fluorescent Tube Replacements in Partnering Deal with ilumisys
ilumisys, Inc., developer and producer of next-generation solid-state lighting technology, announced today that it has partnered with Seesmart LED, a commercial LED lighting leader based in Simi Valley, Calif., and that the cooperative agreement includes a license for ilumisys’ patents on light-emitting diode (LED) fluorescent tube replacements.
Employer Healthcare Costs Jump 7.3% in 2009, According to Thomson Reuters Study
Average healthcare costs for U.S. employers increased 7.3 percent in 2009, according to study published today by Thomson Reuters.
Preliminary 2010 Ford Proxy Details Annual Meeting, Shareholder Proposals, Executive Compensation
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) today filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission a preliminary notice regarding its 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
The Mall At Partridge Creek Announces New Danish Jeweler Pandora
The Mall at Partridge Creek welcomes Pandora – the international jewelry company known for its popular charm bracelets – to its retail mix.
Chrysler Group LLC Celebrates Production Launch of Pentastar V-6 Engine at All-new Trenton, Mich., Facility
With Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and other local officials in attendance, Chrysler Group LLC celebrated the launch of its all-new Pentastar V-6 engine at an event today at the Trenton South Engine Plant.
Itc Holdings Corp. Donates $1 Million To The Henry Ford
ITC Holdings Corp., (ITC) the nation’s only independent electric transmission company, donated $1 million to The Henry Ford to upgrade the institution’s aging electrical infrastructure.
Minority Securities Organization hosts 4th Annual Awards Gala
On Thursday, April 7, 2010, the National Association of Securities Professionals (NASP) Detroit Chapter will host, Encore IV, its 4th Annual Awards and Scholarship Banquet.
Ford SYNC Hits 2 Million Mark; Boosts Resale Value, Purchase Consideration and Customer Satisfaction
The popular Ford SYNC voice-controlled communications and infotainment system has been winning over buyers at its fastest pace ever, with Ford announcing SYNC has now been installed on more than 2 million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles.
Q&A with J.D. Power and Associates’ John Humphrey: The Center of the Automotive Universe is Going to Change
Where is the global auto industry headed? John Humphrey, senior vice president of global automotive operations for J.D. Power and Associates, provides an interesting perspective on the industry.
CREW Detroit Announces Call for Entries for Annual IMPACT Awards Program
The Detroit chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women announces a call for entries for its 9th annual IMPACT Awards, honoring commercial properties with a positive impact on Southeast Michigan.
O’Keefe & Associates Achieves National Recognition for Reorganization and Sale of Double JJ Ranch
Opinion leader and top U.S. industry publication, The M&A Advisor has recognized transactional financial consulting and turnaround management firm O’Keefe and Associates with a national Turnaround Award for the successful Chapter 11 reorganization and sale of the iconic Double JJ Resort in Rothbury, Mich.
The Future of MI’s Workforce at the Big Three Auto Companies
Part of The Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD) popular series, LEARN, MEET, SUCCED, this event will give people an unprecedented opportunity to meet face-to-face with those who make the hiring decisions for the auto companies, and learn first-hand about what the future holds for engineering professionals in the state.
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Detroit Young Professionals – 2010 Vanguard Awards
Ten innovators and trend setters were honored at the 2nd annual Detroit Young Professionals’ Vanguard Awards on March 25 at Amnesia nightclub atop the MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit.
Four New Attorneys Join Trott Trott, P.C.
Farmington Hills-based Trott Trott, P.C. announced today the addition of attorneys Karl Borgquist, Tara Gavioli, Doreen Hoffman and Rose Merithew to the firm’s Litigation and Title Departments.
GM Announces Financial Leadership Changes
General Motors Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer Chris Liddell today announced a number of key finance leadership changes aimed at further advancing the company’s financial progress and preparing for its return to public ownership in the future.
DeMattia Group Breaks Ground on Ventower Industries’ New Manufacturing Facility
DeMattia Group, one of the Midwest’s leading real estate development, architecture and construction firms, is proud to announce a groundbreaking was held on March 30, 2010 for Ventower Industries’ new manufacturing facility.
Paramount Bank Announces Availability of Wealth Management and Investment Services
Locally-based Paramount Bank today announced it has added Paramount Wealth Advisors, a new wealth management and investment services division.
FEV, Inc. Demonstrates Battery Management System Development and Testing Capability at 2010 SAE World Congress
FEV, Inc., a leading developer of advanced powertrain and vehicle technologies, announced today that it will demonstrate its Battery Management System Development and Testing capability at the 2010 SAE World Congress, April 13 – 15 at Cobo Center in Detroit, including its own internally developed FEV LiiONMAN system.
Dodge Begins Production of 2010 Viper SRT10 ACR-X
The next chapter in the storied racing history of the Dodge Viper is being written as the first 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR-X rolled off the assembly line at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit on Monday, March 29.
Atlas Oil Offers Protection from Spring Storm Power Outages Generator Assurance Plan
Atlas Oil Company’s Generator Assurance Plan guarantees customers priority access to fuel and delivery during power outages.
GM Completes Fresh-Start Accounting
General Motors Company announced that it had completed fresh-start accounting, and would be filing its third quarter 2009 Form 10-Q and 2009 Form 10-K with the SEC today.
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Detroit Regional Chamber Hosts Farewell Ceremony
On March 30th, the Detroit Regional Chamber held a reception at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham for President and CEO, Richard E. Blouse Jr., who retired after 15 years. During his tenure, the Chamber became the largest organization of its kind in the country.
Create A Custom ‘Billboard On Wheels’ With New Ford Transit Connect Graphics
Ford is taking the “wraps” off an innovative new program designed to help business owners customize the vinyl graphics on their Ford Transit Connects.
GM to Expand Brake Override Software Globally by 2012
General Motors will expand use of “enhanced smart pedal” technology globally to all passenger cars with automatic transmissions and electronic throttle control, providing an additional safeguard to enhance customer confidence.
Warren Transmission Adds 100 New Jobs to Support Increased Demand for Hot-Selling Vehicles
In order to meet growing customer demand for some of GM’s hot-selling vehicles, Warren Transmission is adding over 100 new jobs to its second shift 6 speed operations.
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A Miracle of Confidence
A solid business plan can’t just sit on the shelf.
Gibbs Technologies Selects Plex Online for U.S. Operations
Plex Systems, Inc., provider of the No. 1 rated manufacturing ERP software, and amphibian-vehicle manufacturer Gibbs Technologies today announced that Gibbs has selected Plex Online as its manufacturing enterprise resource planning (ERP) software provider.
Macomb Chambers Announce Collaboration Agreement
The Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SHRCCI) and the Anchor Bay Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) have signed a “Joint Venture” agreement that will have collaboration as its focal point.
Ford To Highlight New Fuel-Efficient Engines, Provide Special Test Drives At SAE World Congress
Ford Motor Company announced today it plans to introduce three new four-cylinder advanced technology powertrains in the next year.
AWEA Releases Annual State of the Wind Industry Report for Michigan
Manufacturing for wind will provide green-collar jobs to Michigan workers, etc.
Michigan will finally snap decade-long streak of job losses
After enduring one of its worst years ever in 2009, Michigan’s economy will flounder this year before showing some improvement in 2011, say University of Michigan economists.
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Detroit Tigers Opening Day 2010
There was plenty of pomp, circumstance, and local luminaries in and around Comerica Park on April 9th for the Tigers’ home opener. Detroit’s boys of summer topped the visiting Cleveland Indians, 5-2, and a grand time was had by all.
Morton’s To Host Premium Cigar Dinner Before Smoking Ban Becomes Law In Michigan
With the clock ticking toward Michigan’s upcoming restaurant smoking ban, Morton’s The Steakhouse in Troy has planned the perfect event for cigar lovers to enjoy an evening filled with fine wine, Morton’s signature food and exquisite cigars–before the May 1 deadline.
Compuware Gomez Offers Industry’s First Solution for Web Performance, Cross-Browser and Device Testing for iPad
Gomez, the Web performance division of Compuware Corporation (Nasdaq:CPWR), today introduced the industry’s first solution for testing how entire Web sites perform and render on the Apple iPad.
Behr America Reveals Key Findings At SAE World Congress 2010
Behr America is helping to develop a downsized V6, direct-injection gasoline engine that will improve fuel consumption and produce high torque in a low rpm range.
The Call for Makers is now open for Maker Faire Detroit 2010 at The Henry Ford
Attention all Makers, tinkers, inventors, and do-it-yourselfers, the call for entries is now open for Maker Faire Detroit 2010 at The Henry Ford.
$800k Kresge grant supports expansion of TechTown’s business incubator park
TechTown has received an $800,000 grant from The Kresge Foundation to renovate new business incubator space and support operations. TechTown received notification of the award March 10.
Gene test shows who could benefit from statins to reduce colon cancer risk: Study
A genetic test can help determine in which patients cholesterol-lowering statin drugs might have the most benefit in also reducing the risk of colorectal cancer, a new study from researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center finds.
PNC Completes Largest Phase of National City Conversion
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:PNC) today announced it has successfully completed the largest phase of its National City Bank conversion with the addition of 1.5 million customers and 420 branches across Michigan and northern Ohio, including Cleveland, Akron and Toledo.
Miller Canfield Elects Joe Fazio As Chair Of Managing Directors
The law firm of Miller Canfield is pleased to announce that Joseph M. Fazio has been elected chair of the managing directors, the firm’s five-person management administration.
US New Vehicle Market On Road To Recovery
The US new vehicle market looks to be on the long road to recovery, according to latest figures from the world’s leading provider of automotive data and intelligence, JATO Dynamics.
Leading Healthcare Technology Solutions Provider, GalaxE.Solutions, to Open Software Center in Detroit
GalaxE.Solutions®, Inc. a leading IT solutions provider which supports healthcare, retail, e-commerce and additional business sectors, has announced plans to open a new software development facility in downtown Detroit, Michigan.
University of Michigan-Dearborn to Transfer Ownership of the Henry Ford Estate to the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House
The University of Michigan-Dearborn and the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, Mich., have reached an agreement to unite the Henry Ford Estate and Ford House in what will become a national model of sustainability and 21st century interpretation of our nation’s heritage.
Hella Says Proven Technologies Help Automakers Meet U.S. Rules
Proven energy-management technologies will provide the key to meeting new U.S. fuel-economy regulations, according to Hella, a global supplier of automotive electronics and lighting systems.
