February marked a strong start to 2026 for the DRP, with two robust mission trips that reinforced the Detroit Region’s global reach and strategic focus on emerging industry trends.
The month began with an international mission to Europe alongside our partners at Oakland County, where the team participated in a SelectUSA mission hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce. With stops in Eindhoven and Brussels, the DRP engaged with companies actively evaluating investment opportunities in the United States. These discussions focused on future growth plans for the North American market and how the Detroit Region’s talent base, supply chain, and customer proximity align with long-term expansion strategies.
The trip also included a day with Agoria, one of the DRP’s long-standing partners, during which we visited member companies in Ghent. The companies showcased innovative automotive and mobility technologies with strong global ambitions, further underscoring the depth of interest among Northern European firms in establishing a U.S. presence.
Domestically, the DRP partnered with the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and Warner Norcross + Judd to attend the NAATBatt International conference in Tucson, Arizona. The conference provided valuable insight into the future of the U.S. battery industry, particularly as applications continue to expand beyond transportation into energy storage, defense, and data center uses. These conversations are critical as the industry adjusts to changing electric vehicle demand and evolving policy landscapes.
Throughout the conference, the team met with nearly 20 companies to learn more about their technologies and future growth plans in the United States. While the electric vehicle market is undergoing a period of adjustment, industry leaders remain optimistic and are actively positioning themselves to evolve and diversify. This perspective reinforces the importance of ensuring that the Detroit Region remains aligned with companies whose technologies fit the rapidly changing battery and energy ecosystem.
February’s international and domestic missions underscored the value of staying closely connected to global markets and industry leaders. The DRP and its partners remain committed to tracking emerging trends, building long-term relationships, and supporting growing companies as they explore the Detroit Region for future operations.
