(CBS DETROIT) — Bill Ford, executive chairman of Ford Motor Co., and Roger Penske, founder and chairman of Penske Corp., are two trailblazers impacting the Motor City. They appear on CBS Detroit’s Michigan Matters during the 2025 Detroit Auto Show to discuss the industry, politics and more.
Ford unveiled its Spirit of America Mustang GTD and new Mustang RTR at the Detroit auto show in front of a standing-room-only crowd of journalists at the flagship event, which took place in January at Huntington Place for the first time in several years. .
Detroit Auto Dealers Association co-directors Rod Alberts and Sam also appear on the show and share thoughts about Bill Ford and Roger Penske.
Bill Ford talked about the future of hybrids, electric cars and more.
It also modernized the Michigan Central Station, leading to the former Detroit station beginning in 2018. The station and surrounding domain have undergone major adjustments since then, as the once-decaying design was renovated and constitutes a catalyst for companies. A number of nonprofits, housing, retail and more are taking shape there.
Penske then looks at and discusses the importance of the 2025 Detroit Auto Show and his company’s participation. A Grand Prix Day was held for the occasion and Penske sponsored a mini-track at Huntington Place where visitors can ride in new vehicles.
Penske shared his in the Motor City and talked about Donald Trump, who is returning to the presidency of the United States.
Penske, who won his 20th Baby Borg Trophy (his team Penske and driver Josef Newgarden won the Indy 500 in 2024), also talks motorsports.
And he discusses the state of the auto industry, EVs, and what’s ahead.
(Watch Michigan Matters at its new time: 5:30 a.m. Sundays on CBS Detroit, 9:30 a.m. Sundays on Detroit 50 WKBD).
(Carol Cain is Michigan’s lead producer and host, winner of 13 Emmy Awards)