Obama's Michigan Visit To Highlight Technology
HOLLAND, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - President Barack Obama's scheduled visit to an advanced battery facility in western Michigan is expected to highlight how technology could help automakers reach new fuel efficiency standards announced by his administration.
Obama is scheduled to visit a Johnson Controls Inc. facility in Holland on Thursday afternoon. His appearance comes after announcing new fuel standards for cars, light trucks and work trucks.
The Johnson Controls factory makes advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles. The Obama administration discussed details of the visit Wednesday during a teleconference with media.
Also, Wednesday, Deputy Energy Secretary Daniel Poneman announced $175 million from the Department of Energy will be awarded to 40 companies around the country who Poneman says are driving innovation in clean energy job creation.
There is one Michigan company on the list.
"In Troy, Michigan, there's a company called Vehma International Of America. It's getting $10 million to develop a new passenger vehicle, design architecture," said Poneman.
The money will be distributed over the next three to five years.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
