Zac Quinn 
The Detroit Auto Show has returned for the first time since 2019. Though it returned without several brands and automakers opting out, and those that stayed pulling back the once-extravagant efforts that show-goers have grown accustomed to, President Joe Biden, members of his cabinet, and local politicians still managed to find time in their schedule to lock the media out of the show floor for three hours while they got a private tour from executives from Ford, GM and Stellantis. Biden, who likes Corvettes, told those approved to document the occasion that he’d be “driving home” with the 2023 C8 Corvette Z06.
Even as the Corvette Z06 features an 8,600 RPM 5.5L V8 engine, President Biden and the Democratic party continue to push an EV agenda, wanting to have at least 50% of new vehicles sold to be electric or plug-in electric hybrids by 2030. Such policies have drawn skepticism as to whether or not it’s even viable for the automotive industry as a whole, as record commodity pricing, the rare earth mineral supply chain, consumer purchasing power, and general customer preferences all seem to be major headwinds for an electric vehicle transition.
The White House touted a recent announcement in the investment of battery production, as stricter regulations and guidelines are implemented, as well as tighter tax credit eligibility. Additionally, the Commerce Department has awarded $52.2 million to the “Global Epicenter of Mobility,” a Detroit regional program designed to help Michigan’s automakers transition into the EV sector.
After expressing his admiration for the V8-powered supercar, Biden then toured the upcoming Silverado EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and a mix of other EVs and combustion vehicles. Though the video doesn’t show it, Biden later touted the benefits of owning an electric car. But as we can see in the video. Nothing can outshine the joyous sounds of a potent V8.
The Detroit Auto Show is currently underway and will come to an end on September 25th.
