By Jason Capitani, L. Mason Capitani/CORFAC International The automotive industry and business as a whole have always operated in cycles. Looking back at 2009, when Southeast Michigan faced significant challenges, the region’s recovery in the years that followed shows how resilient the local economy can be. Yet, as we navigate today’s post-COVID landscape, some still hope for a more gradual and stable recovery. Though questions remain about whether Detroit should have seen a market correction years ago, or if electric vehicle programs have artificially propped up the economy, only time will tell. Michigan’s jobless rate hovers around 4 percent, lower than the national average of over 7 percent, marking the lowest level since before the pandemic. The state has added over 450,000 jobs since 2020. While the automotive sector remains dominant, other thriving industries include advanced manufacturing, defense, IT, medical devices, food processing and logistics. 2025 outlook: early weakness with potential for shift Demand for industrial space in late 2024 and early 2025 has been weaker, with net absorption at its lowest since 2021. This dip might signal a shift in the auto industry, with some speculating a return to hybrid or combustion engine production, though these decisions take time …
