The Consulate of Italy in Detroit proudly announces the conclusion of a highly successful visit by a high-level delegation from the Piedmont Region to the Detroit and Ann Arbor metropolitan area from April 22-25, 2025. The mission marked a significant step forward in transatlantic cooperation, highlighting the Italian innovation ecosystem and strengthening industrial, academic and institutional ties with Michigan.
Led by Regional Councillor Andrea Tronzano, as well as the Consul of Italy in Detroit Allegra Baistrocchi, the delegation included institutional leaders, such as Michela Favaro (Deputy Mayor of Turin), Giulia Macron (Director of International Promotion of the Piedmont Region), Monica Mailander (President of Vehicle Valley), Stefano Nigro (General Manager CEIPIEMONTE) and Pasqualino Andrea Talaia (Director CAN Produzione Torino); university authorities, such as Stefano Geuna (Chancellor of the University of Turin) and Gianmario Pellegrino (Vice Chancellor of the Polytechnic University of Turin); and executives from some of the most important industrial and automotive organizations in Piedmont, such as Pierpaolo Antonioli (President of Confindustria Piemonte and CEO of Dumarey Italia), Gianmarco Giorda (Director General of ANFIA, the Italian association of more than 520 companies in the automotive manufacturing supply chain), Fabrizio Mina (CEO of Italdesign USA) and Andrea Paviolo (Vice President of MEC US, representing the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises).
The delegation participated in more than a dozen high-impact meetings with key players in Michigan’s mobility, manufacturing and technology sectors. The group met with major automotive companies, including General Motors, Stellantis, Toyota, Rivian, Mullen, Bosch, Mayco, and many others, and actively participated in the Vehicle & Transportation Technology Innovation Meeting (VTM) in Detroit, where Piedmont Region presented its strategic vision and capabilities.
At the VTM, the Piedmont delegation presented its Automotive Ecosystem, a modern regional network that combines manufacturing, innovation and training. With 550 million euros in exports to Michigan in 2024 directly from the region, Piedmont has become a leading European hub for automotive and mechanical components. The presentation provided an opportunity to invite Michigan companies to attend VTM 2026 in Turin, March 24 and 25.
Meetings with MEDC, MichAuto, MEMA and other regional institutions deepened bilateral collaboration on future mobility, electrification and economic development. The delegation also had the honor of meeting with Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II at NewLab Detroit, highlighting the shared innovation goals between Italy and Michigan.
Regional Councillor Tronzano expressed his satisfaction with the mission and said:
“Piedmont has been told for what it is: an industrial, concrete, competitive, collaborative-ready territory.”
The mission concluded with a panel discussion at the Consulate of Italy in Detroit with Michigan Defense, focusing on the aerospace sector. The meeting was followed by a visit to Ann Arbor, where delegates visited Ann Arbor SPARK, explored opportunities for collaboration with the University of Michigan, and met with the city’s economic development officials.
Consul Allegra Baistrocchi commented:
“This delegation reflects the strength and ambition of the relationship between Italy and Michigan. Piedmont and Michigan are natural partners in shaping the future of sustainable mobility, advanced manufacturing and research. We are proud of the significant ties established this week and look forward to the concrete collaborations that will follow.”
The Consulate of Italy in Detroit expresses its sincere gratitude to all Michigan partners and stakeholders who welcomed the delegation and contributed to the success of this mission.
About the Consulate of Italy in Detroit:The Consulate of Italy in Detroit, headed by Consul Allegra Baistrocchi, is the Diplomatic office representing the Republic of Italy in Michigan, Ohio, and surrounding areas. The Consulate is involved in cultural promotion, supports Italian citizens abroad, and promotes the strengthening of relations between Italy and the United States.
The article Success of Piedmont Region delegation’s mission to Michigan strengthening Italy-United States collaboration on mobility, innovation and investment comes from TheNewyorker.
