auto industry

The automotive industry is shifting to electric vehicles.  Right now, only about two percent of American automobile sales are in the electric sector.  But reducing waste, increasing recycling, and making the shift to electrification move more quickly will only have a positive impact on CO-2 emissions and climate change.  For the first time, a circular economy is being built to accelerate and enhance the process.  Dr. Gregory Keoleian from the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability joined  WEMU's David Fair to discuss his team's academic reseach into a new circular economy in the industry. 

There has been much reaction to the Tuesday night presidential debate where Michigan was brought up several times.

WEMU's Lisa Barry talks with long-time political commentator and Eastern Michigan University professor of American politics Ed Sidlow about the role Michigan played in the debate and the upcoming presidential election.

Michigan joined 22 other states and the District of Columbia Wednesday in filing an environmental protection lawsuit.   As we hear from Rick Pluta, state Attorney General Dana Nessel wants to preserve fuel economy standards set during the Obama administration.

President Trump visited the Ford Rawsonville automotive plant in Ypsilanti Thursday but failed to follow safety protocols.  The latest federal coronavirus relief package faces an uncertain future in the U.S. Senate, and massive flooding in Mid-Michigan points to a need for more investment in infrastucture.  12th Congresswoman Debbie Dingell offers her thoughts on these subjects in a conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

With nearly 60 years in Congress, John Dingell's impact on people and places across Michigan and across the country was significant and far reaching.

89.1 WEMU's Lisa Barry spoke with Dingell's final chief of staff Leigh Greden, who is currently chief of staff in the president's office at Eastern Michigan University.

Car enthusiasts will peruse new and future vehicles at the North American International Auto Show over the next week. But, there is more to look at than just cars, SUV’s and trucks.  As 89.1 WEMU's Jorge Avellan discovered, Washtenaw County is helping lead the way and is on prominent display.  

The North American International Auto Show is underway in Detroit, and automakers have used this to announce major developments in advancing cleaner automotive technology.  In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair talks to Anna Stefanopoulou, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Automotive Research Center Director at the University of Michigan, about what she thinks about these developments.

The resignation of Congressman John Conyers will leave the seat vacant until it is filled by a special election. 

Governor Rick Snyder is off on a trade mission that will bring him to Asia and Europe before he returns to Michigan next week.  

The state legislature is resurrecting legislation to end mandatory, unlimited medical benefits for car crash victims.  

Governor Rick Snyder is out of the country on a week-long trade mission to China.

Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor is celebrating 50 years of operations.

The 2015 North American International Auto Show held few surprises for eco-concerned consumers.