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Pete Buttigieg Addresses Detroit Auto Show's Mobility Global Forum

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 9:20 GMT by WJBK

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Pete Buttigieg Takes the Stage at Detroit Auto Show’s Mobility Global Forum

On a crisp winter afternoon in downtown Detroit, former Vice‑Presidential candidate and former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg addressed a packed hall at the Mobility Global Forum, an event that sits at the very heart of the Detroit Auto Show. The forum—an initiative designed to bring together policymakers, industry leaders, technologists, and community advocates—underscored the city’s status as the automotive capital of the world and highlighted the pressing need for a coordinated, forward‑looking approach to mobility.

A Meeting Point of Industry and Policy

The Detroit Auto Show, officially known as the “North American International Auto Show,” has long been a marquee platform for carmakers and tech companies to unveil next‑generation vehicles, from battery‑electric SUVs to autonomous driving prototypes. The Mobility Global Forum, launched in 2022, expanded the Auto Show’s purview by creating a dedicated space for cross‑sector dialogue on the broader infrastructure and policy challenges that accompany the industry’s shift toward electrification, connectivity, and shared mobility.

Buttigieg’s appearance at the forum was not just a ceremonial nod to the city’s automotive heritage. It served as a springboard for his broader vision of a “mobility‑for‑all” America—a vision he articulated in a series of remarks that blended personal anecdotes, policy priorities, and a call for collaborative action.

Key Themes of the Speech

1. Infrastructure as the Backbone of Mobility

The mayor of South Bend and former Transportation Secretary opened by underscoring the role of physical infrastructure. “We’re standing at a crossroads,” Buttigieg said, pointing to a projected 45% increase in U.S. vehicle miles traveled over the next decade. “But if we don’t invest in roads, bridges, rail, and public transit, we’ll be building a highway system that can’t accommodate our future.” He cited the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 as a foundational piece of legislation but noted that many states still lag in deploying the funds for long‑term upgrades.

2. Electrification Beyond the Battery

A central pillar of Buttigieg’s message was the urgent need to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). While acknowledging the progress made—“Detroit’s auto industry has always been a trailblazer, and now we’re poised to lead the electric revolution”—he warned that the shift must go beyond the car itself. “Charging infrastructure,” he emphasized, “must be integrated with smart grid solutions, renewable energy sources, and community‑based programs that bring EVs to people in underserved neighborhoods.” Buttigieg noted that the federal government’s EV Tax Credit and the “Zero‑Emission Vehicle Credit” are vital, but that “we also need to ensure that the manufacturing supply chain is secure, from battery cells to critical minerals.”

3. Public‑Private Partnerships and Innovation Hubs

Buttigieg called on the automotive industry to partner with federal agencies, state governments, and academia to accelerate research and development. He highlighted the “Detroit Mobility Hub,” a joint initiative between the City of Detroit, the Michigan Department of Transportation, and several universities that focuses on autonomous vehicle testing and data analytics. “Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” he said, “and the most robust solutions will arise where academia, industry, and government collide.”

4. Mobility as a Public Good

Perhaps most resonant was Buttigieg’s emphasis on mobility as a public good. “It isn’t enough to have more cars on the road; we must provide equitable access to safe, affordable transportation,” he argued. He referenced the city’s own “BRT‑Plus” project, a high‑capacity bus rapid transit corridor that serves both commuters and low‑income residents. “Transit is the lifeline of cities, and it’s the key to economic opportunity,” Buttigieg told the audience. “If we’re going to build a sustainable, inclusive future, we have to put transit first.”

Follow‑up Links and Resources

The Fox2Detroit article linked to several useful resources that deepen the conversation. A link to the Mobility Global Forum’s official page provides a schedule of panel discussions and a full agenda that includes topics such as “AI‑Driven Traffic Management” and “Financing Mobility Infrastructure.” For those interested in Buttigieg’s specific policy proposals, the forum’s “Policy Briefs” section offers a PDF summary of his recommendations, which mirror points he made in his speech. The Detroit Auto Show’s own website contains a gallery of the latest vehicle displays and a section on “Future Mobility,” which offers insights into how automakers are rethinking vehicle design for the coming decade.

Why the Forum Matters

The forum’s timing is significant. As the automotive industry wrestles with global supply chain disruptions, a rapidly evolving regulatory environment, and fierce competition from electric‑vehicle startups, the need for a cohesive policy framework is urgent. Buttigieg’s presence—backed by his experience on Capitol Hill and his role in shaping U.S. transportation policy—signals a willingness to bridge the gap between high‑level strategy and on‑the‑ground implementation.

In addition, the forum’s focus on “mobility for all” dovetails with broader movements toward sustainable and equitable urban planning. The city of Detroit, with its historic auto manufacturing base, is uniquely positioned to serve as a living laboratory for new mobility models. The city’s mayor, and the state government, have both pledged funding for research and development, which Buttigieg highlighted as essential to ensuring that Detroit remains competitive.

Looking Ahead

Following the forum, many stakeholders are expected to formalize partnerships that could see increased federal funding for charging networks, the expansion of high‑capacity transit corridors, and pilot programs for autonomous shuttles in Detroit’s downtown core. For Buttigieg, the event served as a platform to reaffirm his commitment to building a transportation system that is not only technologically advanced but also socially responsible.

As the world watches Detroit’s Auto Show continue to attract automakers from every corner of the globe, the Mobility Global Forum remains a critical nexus where ideas, policy, and innovation converge. And with Pete Buttigieg at the helm of the conversation, the promise of a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient mobility future feels more attainable than ever.