On April 9, Detroit Regional Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Sandy K. Baruah filled in for Paul W. Smith as a guest host of WJR 760 AM’s Focus With Paul W. Smith, interviewing prominent business, community, and government leaders in the Detroit Region.
Hear what the guests had to say below.
Many of the conversations focused on the tariffs implemented on April 2 and how their dangerous effects have already impacted the automotive industry. Many of the guests shared their perspectives and advice on what local and even international industry leaders are doing about it.
In fact, the topic was so timely that news broke about President Donald Trump pausing some tariffs while Baruah was on live with U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI 6), who had just gotten out of a House Committee meeting in Washington, D.C. She advised that to keep manufacturing strong in Michigan, no matter what comes our way, the state’s signature industry must focus on what consumers want.
“The global marketplace wants EVs,” Dingell said. “If we want to keep our three companies and domestic autos competitive, we have to have products the world wants, and EVs are part of that.”
Calling into the broadcast from Japan, Headlight.News Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Paul Eisenstein shared the international automotive perspective on tariffs. He also expressed concern about how serious this situation is, more so than other “hard times” in the industry, including during the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. Eisenstein said that we might see some small immediate production in the U.S. Still, he estimated that it would be between three to five years before new manufacturing plants can even start running in Michigan.
“Nothing is as destructive as we’ve seen right now … calling for radical change right now that [the] industry can’t keep up with,” Eisenstein said. “… but the bottom line is it’s politically charged. [President Trump]’s lying when he says the manufacturers are paying for it. The consumers are.”
Speaking on potential American and Michigan consumers’ behavior changes, Patrick Anderson, Anderson Economic Group’s Principal and Chief Executive Officer, estimated pickup trucks might see a $5,000-$8,500 price increase, while prices of luxury and full-size SUVs may jump $10,000-$12,000; in return, Anderson also warned that Michigan must be prepared for consumers’ reactions to this “big, big chunk of money.”
“Unfortunately, losing jobs makes your unemployment rate go up,” Anderson said. “Michigan needs to get ready to deal with this crisis and soon.”
MichAuto at the Detroit Regional Chamber has already been preparing the automotive industry community for the changes as much as possible, according to Executive Director Glenn Stevens Jr. He shared insight on how MichAuto has continued to be a voice for the industry in Lansing and Washington D.C., as well as sharing resources and assets for MichAuto investors, including the new online Tariff Resource Center. Despite a “tariff stack” and an “upside down” industry, Stevens said he remains hopeful of what is to come.
“You will find every international flag flying here in Detroit … we are connected to the globe through Southeast Michigan,” Stevens said. “We are resilient. We are going to get through this together.”
Related | April 9: MichAuto Statement on Tariff Pause
Despite the timeliness, tariffs were not the only topic of discussion during the broadcast. When asked how President Donald Trump’s second term is going overall, Roe Strategic Principal Jason Roe noted his approval rating still remains around 50%.
“In spite of all the anxiety and turbulence in both parties, his numbers seem to continue to hold,” Roe said. “I think Republicans in Congress knew that the first six to nine months were going to be rocky … the truth of the whole matter is when we get to the reconstructing phase in government.”
Listeners also heard from other Michigan leaders who are making positive policy and societal changes in their respective industries and communities.
Venessa Keesler, Launch Michigan’s President and Chief Executive Officer, also discussed what Michigan needs to do in K-12 education to position students for success after sharing the state’s “unacceptable” bottom-10 ranking in most educational sectors.
“We can’t fix the problem until we acknowledge that there is a problem,” Keesler said. “Our [educational] system has not been revamped for the future … what could be different, better, [and] exciting for our kids?”
Cheryl Thompson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion and Advancement (CADIA), spoke about the value of diversity in the workplace.
“DEI is about creating an environment where everyone feels included, valued. It’s not about lowering standards or excluding anyone,” Thompson said. “We’re widening the talent pool to include … those who may be unintentionally excluded for whatever reason … [Veterans] have unique skills, and they may also have some barriers. Creating pathways and helping them succeed is a benefit of diversity and inclusion.”
Grosse Pointe Park Mayor Michele Hodges talked about efforts to build strong communities by leaning into humanitarian interests. By making intentional investments in places like the A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Center for Performing Arts, “catalysts” can form to serve those beyond the Grosse Pointe community. The return on investment can include more people making Michigan their home.
“Grosse Pointe Park is a competitive community that people want to be a part of,” she said. “[Schaap Center] is a place for public fellowship; [it’s] a gathering place celebrating the arts, and we know [such places] heal and unite the community.”
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