MICHIGAN CARS

Auto analyst David Cole called the agreement coopetition, which auto companies work together to save money. Thats needed now more than ever, and with the Honda Motor Company getting involved, that should tell how important coopetition is. The agreement wasnt completely out of the blue as the two companies agreed to work on next-generation electric vehicles in April. RELATED: May Mobility expanding in Ann Arbor; highlights leadership in autonomous vehicle technologyThe companies will share common vehicle platforms -- electrified and internal combustion propulsion -- meaning some vehicles will be GM underneath Honda exteriors. All of the automakers know eventually electrification, autonomous vehicles and connectivity will be the way of life, but thats far off in the future, Krebs said.

LANSING, Mich. The state of Michigan and some private partners are taking steps toward building or assigning dedicated lanes for automated vehicles on a 40-mile stretch of highway between Detroit and Ann Arbor. Ford is among nine autonomous vehicle and auto companies on an advisory board for the project. The project is being led by a company called Cavnue, which will start the study by running autonomous vehicles with human backup drivers along I-94 and U.S. 12 to collect data. Chinese media have reported on a similar project on a new freeway in China, and others have proposed similar ventures in the U.S., but Winer said the Michigan project would be a first. Vehicles and autonomous driving systems used by all companies would be able to use the lanes, provided they meet standards, Winer said.

Ford is among nine autonomous vehicle and auto companies on an advisory board for the project. Eventually, autonomous buses and shuttles would run along the Interstate 94 corridor, linking the University of Michigan to Detroit Metropolitan Airport and the citys downtown. Tech and auto companies that favor running the vehicles with normal traffic seem to be winning, Walker Smith said, although that has eased as expectations for autonomous vehicles have become more realistic. Vehicles and autonomous driving systems used by all companies would be able to use the lanes, provided they meet standards, Winer said. The company plans to build a prototype freeway lane at the American Center for Mobility, an autonomous vehicle testing area Ypsilanti, Michigan, he said, adding that the study will consider how to handle wildlife or humans entering the dedicated lanes.