MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (AP) — Michigan is launching a campaign to promote the state as a hub of innovation in the advancement of self-driving and connected vehicles.
Planet M, as the campaign is called, was unveiled Wednesday at the Mackinac Policy Conference — where Gov. Rick Snyder and business leaders are discussing the convergence of auto manufacturing and “mobility” technology.
Michigan is expected to have two permanent autonomous vehicle testing sites by 2017.
State officials say autonomous and connected vehicles will need to communicate not only with other vehicles on the roads, but also with technology already being installed along some highways, streets and bridges. Drivers could be alerted to weather hazards and road conditions, for instance.
The campaign’s tagline is “Michigan. Where big ideas in mobility are born.”
