DETROIT — A new set of awards recognizing advances in autonomous and connected vehicle technologies will be launched at next year’s North American International Auto Show.
The awards will be sponsored by PlanetM, a consortium of industry, government, and higher education, intended to advance autonomous and connected vehicle technologies launched by the Michigan Economic Development Corp., and AutoMobili-D, the auto show’s mobility showcase.
The inaugural PlanetM Awards event will take place Jan. 15 during Press Days at the 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.”
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 Jan. 15.
Award submissions will be accepted through Nov. 26 at 12 a.m. Eastern time. Category winners will be announced Dec. 12. For more information about the PlanetM Awards, email PlanetM@Michigan.org.
The launch of AutoMobili-D in January 2017 featured more than 180 brands, ranging from automakers to suppliers and tech startups as well as universities and government organizations.
More about the auto show at naias.com. The 2018 auto show schedule includes AutoMobili-D Jan. 14-21, Press Preview Days Jan. 14-16, Industry Preview Days Jan. 17 and 18, the Charity Preview Jan. 19, and the public show Jan. 20-28.