Detroit Auto Show Adds Mobility Business Matchmaking Service

Next January’s Detroit auto show will expand on the event’s pre-show AutoMobili-D mobility expo and seminars with 25% more floorspace and a new business-to-business matchmaking service.

The latter feature aims to connect startups, venture capitalists, suppliers and carmakers in person at the show. Organizers say it’s the first such initiative for an auto show.

Participants in the matchmaking service also can set up meetings ahead of the event through an online portal being launched later this year by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. MEDC’s Planet M initiative, which promotes Michigan’s resources in the advanced personal mobility field, is title sponsor of AutoMobili-D.

The expanded AutoMobili-D will open on Sunday, Jan. 14 during media and industry preview days and continue through the first weekend of public days, Jan. 20-21.

The free matchmaking service, which is available to all companies that participate in AutoMobili-D, will operate Monday-Wednesday, Jan. 15-17. Organizers say the feature will focus on connecting startup companies with would-be investors and customers.