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Pete Buttigieg to Deliver Keynote at Detroit Auto Show Forum, Bridging Politics and the Auto Industry

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 16:45 GMT by Detroit Free Press

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Pete Buttigieg Set to Address Detroit Auto Show Forum in January

In a move that underscores the continuing intersection of politics, policy, and the automotive sector, former United States Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has been confirmed as the keynote speaker for the Detroit Auto Show Forum slated for January 2024. The forum, a flagship event that brings together industry leaders, policymakers, academics, and innovators, will be held at the Wayne County Expo Center in Detroit, Michigan, a city that has long been synonymous with the American auto industry.

Why the Forum Matters

The Detroit Auto Show Forum is more than a showcase of gleaming cars; it is a strategic roundtable aimed at shaping the future of the U.S. auto sector. In recent years, the industry has faced a confluence of challenges: the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), a tightening supply‑chain landscape, heightened regulatory scrutiny on emissions, and evolving consumer preferences. The forum serves as a crucible where those challenges can be discussed and solutions can be charted.

This year’s agenda is poised to focus on four key pillars:

1. Electrification and Innovation – How to accelerate EV adoption while maintaining the United States’ competitive edge.
2. Supply‑Chain Resilience – Lessons learned from the semiconductor shortage and ways to fortify the industry against future shocks.
3. Infrastructure Investment – The role of federal and state infrastructure programs in supporting a modern, electrified transportation network.
4. Workforce Development – Preparing the next generation of automotive talent for a technology‑driven future.

The forum’s lineup of speakers already includes representatives from major automakers, the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the International Energy Agency, among others. Pete Buttigieg’s participation is seen as a strategic bridge between the political arena and the private sector, offering a fresh perspective rooted in both policy experience and political ambition.

Pete Buttigieg’s Background

Buttigieg first entered the public eye as the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, before being appointed Transportation Secretary in 2021 under President Joe Biden. In that role, he championed several initiatives that directly impacted the automotive landscape, such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which included provisions for electric‑vehicle charging infrastructure and the modernization of public transit. He also spearheaded the U.S. Highway 1, 2, and 3 “Smart Corridor” program, aiming to integrate technology into transportation corridors to improve safety and efficiency.

Since leaving the cabinet, Buttigieg has served as a consultant to the Biden administration on climate and infrastructure policy while running as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election. His campaign platform places a strong emphasis on green infrastructure, climate resilience, and job creation, all of which dovetail with the themes expected at the Detroit forum.

Key Points to Expect from Buttigieg’s Speech

While the official press release from the forum does not reveal a detailed outline, several core themes are anticipated:

• Policy‑Industry Alignment: Buttigieg will likely emphasize how federal policies—particularly the IIJA and the Inflation Reduction Act—can be leveraged to foster a more sustainable, technologically advanced auto sector. He may highlight the importance of public‑private partnerships in scaling up battery production and charging infrastructure.

• Economic Impact: As a former transportation secretary with a deep understanding of supply chains, Buttigieg will address how resilient supply chains can protect U.S. manufacturing jobs and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. He might also discuss the economic benefits of the auto industry’s shift to electrification, citing potential job creation in battery manufacturing and related sectors.

• Climate Commitment: Buttigieg is expected to reaffirm his commitment to reducing greenhouse‑gas emissions, both within the auto industry and beyond. He will likely connect the shift to EVs with broader climate goals, underscoring the need for aggressive federal action.

• Campaign Vision: While his primary role is as a keynote speaker, Buttigieg’s involvement in a high‑profile automotive forum offers him an opportunity to articulate his vision for America’s future, especially in the context of climate change and infrastructure investment.

Broader Context: The Auto Industry’s Transformation

The Detroit Auto Show Forum’s focus on electrification and supply‑chain resilience reflects a broader trend in the global auto industry. Over the past decade, automakers have pledged to increase the share of EVs in their lineups, with many now targeting 50% or more of new sales by 2030. At the same time, the industry is grappling with a shortage of critical components such as semiconductors and batteries—a crisis that was dramatically exposed during the COVID‑19 pandemic.

In addition, recent U.S. policy shifts have accelerated the transition to cleaner vehicles. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 included a $7.5 billion investment in the U.S. battery supply chain, as well as tax credits for EV buyers and manufacturers. These incentives are designed to keep the U.S. competitive against global players like China, which is also investing heavily in battery technology.

The Detroit Auto Show Forum, therefore, represents a critical juncture where policy, business, and public opinion converge. By inviting a former cabinet official with both policy experience and political ambition, the forum organizers signal a willingness to incorporate high‑level political insight into the industry’s strategic conversations.

Where to Find More

For readers who wish to dive deeper into the event’s background or explore related policy documents, the following links offer valuable context:

• Detroit Auto Show Forum Official Page – Details on the agenda, speakers, and registration information.
• Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – The legislative text outlining federal investment in transportation infrastructure.
• Inflation Reduction Act – Clean Vehicle Tax Credits – Information on federal incentives for EV buyers and manufacturers.
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – The agency responsible for vehicle safety standards, which also plays a role in EV regulation.

These resources collectively provide a comprehensive view of the forces shaping the automotive industry today and the strategic role the Detroit Auto Show Forum will play in guiding that future.

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