Dan Gilbert uses new hype video to push for Amazon headquarters to come to Detroit

DETROIT – Billionaire Dan Gilbert appeared on CNBC and pitched Detroit as the best choice for Amazon's second headquarters before releasing a slick hype video Friday to sell the city.

The video, posted to Gilbert's Twitter, included the hashtag #AmazonDetroit.

Related: Pitching for Amazon's 2nd world headquarters to come to Detroit

Gilbert told CNBC that Detroit can accommodate an Amazon headquarters immediately.

The 30-second video is gaining praise.

"I think it expresses what innovations and excitement is here," Franco Mancini said.

There are plenty of obstacles to choosing Detroit, such as poor crime statistics, no mass transit and poor inner city schools.

Still, the video showcases a Detroit many outside of the state may not know exists.

"I feel like we're starting to build this environment that people want to be in," Alicia Ramirez said.

Longtime Detroit business owner Harry Kefalonitis gives Gilbert credit for the video and the sales pitch.

"This changes how people look at us; this is too big not to win," Kefalonitis said.

See the video here:

Momentum breeds momentum. #AmazonDetroit #AmazonHQ2 pic.twitter.com/AhMHOgmnWC

— Dan Gilbert (@cavsdan) September 29, 2017

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