Granholm Kicks Off Automotive X PRIZE On-Track Competition in Michigan

Michigan chosen as testing ground for next-generation green vehicles

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today joined state and federal officials and business leaders at the State Capitol to kick off the Michigan-hosted testing phase of the Automotive X PRIZE competition, a competition that pits some of the world's most fuel-efficient vehicles against one another in a quest to win a share of a $10 million prize purse. 

“Michigan, the state that put the world on wheels, is excited to host the test phase of the XPrize competition,” Granholm said. “There is no other place in the world better suited to test these super fuel-efficient and green-powered vehicles. Michigan is charged up and ready to help showcase the cars and trucks of the future and the advanced power systems that will fuel them.”

The competition, now in its final months, will help create and bring to market a new generation of viable and super fuel-efficient vehicles that can deliver at least 100 Miles per Gallon Energy Equivalent (MPGe). Michigan’s competition events will open their doors on Friday, June 25 and Friday, June 23, to allow the public the opportunity to see the progress of each competing team up close.

“It couldn’t be more appropriate that the new generation of super fuel-efficient vehicles represented in this competition will be tested – and celebrated – right here in the state that served as the birthplace of the American automobile,” Michigan Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Greg Main said. “The teams competing in X PRIZE are showing what can be achieved when we dream big, persevere and work hard to bring innovation to the forefront of reality.”

Michigan competition events include:

Shakedown Stage, April 26-May 7 at the Michigan International Speedway (MIS) in Brooklyn: This is an un-scored stage in which competition officials will conduct safety checks and inspections on competition vehicles followed by a series of on-track challenges designed to allow teams the opportunity to test out their vehicles without fear of penalty and “shake out” problem areas in preparation for the qualifying stage.

Knockout Qualifying Stage, June 20-30, MIS: This is the first scored on-track stage. After passing required safety checks, vehicles must navigate a series of challenges designed to emulate real-world conditions. To qualify, vehicles must achieve a minimum 67 MPGe.

Finals Stage, July 19-30, MIS: This is the last of the on-track stages. Speed will be important and a maximum and minimum time for events will be established. To win, team vehicles must demonstrate at least 100 MPGe.

To track the Michigan stages of the Automotive X PRIZE competition and beyond, visit www.progressiveautoxprize.org.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.