PlanetM and AutoMobili-D Launch Inaugural PlanetM Awards to Honor Companies Developing Innovative Mobility-Focused Platforms and Technologies

PlanetM, a Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) program, in partnership with North American International Auto Show’s (NAIAS) mobility showcase, AutoMobili-D, today announced the inaugural PlanetM Awards.

DETROIT - October 17, 2017 - PlanetM, a Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) program, in partnership with North American International Auto Show’s (NAIAS) mobility showcase, AutoMobili-D, today announced the inaugural PlanetM Awards, which will take place on January 15, 2018 during Press Days at NAIAS.

 

“As automotive domestic, international and tech communities all converge in Detroit, there is no better time as during NAIAS to acknowledge companies making the biggest impact on the mobility industry,” said Trevor Pawl, group vice president of PlanetM at MEDC. “The PlanetM Awards will bring additional value and programming to AutoMobili-D, where mobility companies meet to access networking, partnership, business development and industry advancement opportunities.”

The PlanetM Awards will further extend support for leading mobility enterprises by honoring those developing industry advancements. All AutoMobili-D exhibitors are encouraged to submit their best product for recognition in one of the following categories:

• Autonomous Driving            
• Connected Car                         
• eMobility                                 
• Mobility Services                       
• Smart Cities   

“With the global array of companies showcasing and debuting exciting technologies and products within AutoMobili-D, having a dedicated award to acknowledge the best of show adds additional exposure to participating enterprises,” said Ryan LaFontaine, 2018 NAIAS Chairman. “We greatly value our close partnership with the MEDC as it has allowed us to bring new opportunities and expand the reach of our show each year.”  

Each category winner will go into a final selection round for the PlanetM Best in Show award. Separately, PlanetM will also announce a Startup of the Year award from the exhibiting startups at the show. Awards will be presented at the PlanetM Awards ceremony on January 15, 2018.

Award submissions will be accepted through November 26, 2017 at 12 a.m. EST. Category winners will be announced on December 12, 2017. For additional questions regarding the PlanetM Awards, please reach out to: [email protected].

PlanetM launched in 2016 as a collaborative branding effort to promote Michigan as the epicenter of mobility, which further elevates Michigan’s leadership in talent development, automotive R&D and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) testing.

The inaugural launch of AutoMobili-D in 2017 featured more than 180 brands, ranging from automakers, to suppliers and tech startups as well as universities and government organizations. No other event in North America provides an international platform for this vast array of companies, organizations and thought leaders under one roof.

About PlanetM

PlanetM represents Michigan’s unique and vast ecosystem, connecting resources and opportunities for its consortium of members. Made up of private industry, government and institutions of higher learning, partners in PlanetM share the common goal of leading the development of smart solutions that will change the way people and goods are transported across all modes of transportation. To learn more about how Michigan is leading the transportation revolution or to become a member, visit PlanetM.

About the North American International Auto Show
Now in its 30th year as an international event, the NAIAS is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world, providing unparalleled access to the automotive products, technologies, people and ideas that matter most – up close and in one place. Administered by executive director Rod Alberts, the NAIAS is one of the largest media events in North America, and the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles, the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world. For more information, visit naias.com.

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2018 NAIAS Dates: 
The Gallery – Saturday, January 13, 2018
AutoMobili-D – Sunday-Sunday, January 14-21, 2018
Press Preview – Monday-Tuesday, January 14-16, 2018
Industry Preview – Wednesday-Thursday, January 17-18, 2018 
Charity Preview – Friday, January 19, 2018
Public Show – Saturday-Sunday, January 20-28, 2018

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.