SAE World Congress Opens at Cobo Center

DETROIT - Thousands of engineers are converging on Cobo Center to share their ideas on the future of the auto industry. This year it's more about survival than luxury cars. 20,000 people are expected to attend from around the world, and the number of exhibits and displays is down dramatically from last year.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm officially opened the 2009 Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress Monday morning. There are fewer auto engineers attending this year, the result of an industry struggling just to survive.

In an exclusive interview with FOX 2, Granholm talked about General Motors and the layoff of some 1,600 workers announced Monday. "Even when you know it's coming, it doesn't make it any less painful for those who are being shown the door," she said.

The theme of this year's conference is "Racing to Green Mobility". Many of the displays deal with electric cars and improved fuel standards.

"The best way to do it, we believe, is to have the right product to bring value to our customers and maybe a little wow factor at the same time," said Don Whitsitt of Aisin Manufacturing.

Will future SAE conferences be held at Cobo Hall? The political fight over who controls the convention center died in court last week, but the governor believes it's not over yet. "Do I care who owns Cobo Hall? I certainly don't care who has title to it. I just want the investments made so the show stays," Granholm said.