In the Motor City, January is all about cars. People wait all year for the city’s biggest automotive event, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The show ran from January 18 to January 26 this year, and brought people from all over Michigan and southern Canada to see what new cars will be released to the market in the upcoming year. Wayne State University was proud to be onsite for the show, representing EcoCAR 2 at all of the NAIAS public viewing days.

Team members talking with NAIAS attendees about EcoCAR 2

The Wayne State EcoCAR 2 Team displayed the EcoCAR 2 show vehicle in the Michigan Hall, where Michigan’s universities were allowed to exhibit their engineering projects for attendees to enjoy. The Michigan Hall also had a large area of electric and hybrid vehicles, which attracted individuals interested in alternative energy.  Wayne State’s space gained attention from people of all ages and backgrounds. Numerous Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition (AVTC) alumni who were attending the show stopped by and shared their stories with the team. The experience they gained from AVTCs has enabled many of them to build careers with General Motors and other EcoCAR sponsors.

The WSU Team’s booth at NAIAS

Exhibiting at NAIAS gave the EcoCAR 2 competition great exposure, but it also exhibited Wayne State University’s contribution to future automotive advancements through its master’s program that specializes in electric drive vehicles.  The Hybrid Warriors were proud to showcase EcoCAR 2 and Wayne State University for the automotive world to see.