The North American International Detroit Auto Show officially opens to the public Saturday, however members of the media and dignitaries were given a special preview on Wednesday.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford attended alongside Vic Fedeli, Ontario's Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens and MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh Andrew Dowie.
Premier Ford says it was critical for him to be there in person.
"Ontario is the auto leader manufacturer in all of North America and we just want to make sure that we reach out to all of the OEM's, auto manufacturer, make sure we have an integrated supply chain going back and forth across the border. As everyone knows, Michigan is our largest trading partner anywhere in the world for a state, jurisdiction. We just look forward to building the auto sector."
He says he will be meeting with the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and looks forward to a mutually rewarding business relationship.
"We're stronger when we stand together than separate and they're a great partner, Michigan. We signed an MOU [memorandum of understanding] with the Governor. What a great Governor. Governor Gretchen [Whitmer] as I call her and just a great partnership. So we look forward to growing the auto sector in Ontario but also working hand-in-hand with the great state of Michigan."
The University of Windsor's Centre for Hybrid Automotive Research and Green Energy (CHARGE) attended the Auto Show Wednesday as part of Technology Days taking place before the show opens to the general public.
CHARGE Lab was on hand to showcase their talents and network with other manufactures at the event.
Vic Fedeli, Ontario's Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade says it all comes down to talent and needing students trained in the latest and greatest in EV technology, which he says is happening at the University of Windsor.
"We also realized we don't need auto mechanic training anymore, we need EV technician training. We need EV collision centre training as well because EV's are built completely differently. So this $25 billion in business is just the tip of what's really happening in all of Ontario because we've made Ontario open for business."
The Detroit Auto Show opens to the public on Saturday, September 16 at 10 a.m. until Sunday, September 24 at Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd. Tickets can be purchased here: naias.com/public-show-tickets/
-With files from AM800's Rob Hindi