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Secretary Elaine L. Chao, to Keynote 2018 AutoMobili-D at North American International Auto Show

Friday, December 8, 2017

The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) announced today that U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao will keynote the kickoff of AutoMobili-D, an exposition showcasing a global ecosystem of mobility-focused companies and organizations.

“We are honored to have Secretary Chao keynote AutoMobili-D, the agenda that DOT has set under her leadership demonstrates the important nexus between innovation and transportation and her participation underscores the global significance of our show,” said Ryan LaFontaine, NAIAS Chairman for 2018.

AutoMobili-D will feature over 150 exhibiting brands, ranging from automakers, to suppliers, to tech startups as well as universities and government organizations. In addition, more than 100 industry thought leaders and executives will participate in symposiums and panel discussions throughout Press and Industry Preview Days.

“Automated technologies will change the way we travel and connect with each other,” said Secretary Chao. “The Department welcomes this opportunity to share our vision for promoting the safe and secure integration of new technologies into our country’s transportation infrastructure.”

The 2018 NAIAS and AutoMobili-D Press Conference and Speaker Schedule will be announced shortly.

About Secretary Chao
Secretary Elaine L. Chao is currently the U. S. Secretary of Transportation. This is her second cabinet position. She served as U.S. Secretary of Labor from 2001-January 2009, and is the first Asian American woman to be appointed to the President’s cabinet in American history.

Secretary Chao comes to the U.S. Department of Transportation with extensive experience in the transportation sector. Early in her career, she specialized in transportation financing in the private sector. She began her executive career in public service working on transportation and trade issues at the White House. She then served as Deputy Maritime Administrator, U. S. Department of Transportation; Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission; and, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Secretary Chao understands the critical role of the Department in ensuring the safety of our country’s transportation systems.  She is also keenly aware of the key role infrastructure plays in our nation’s economic competitiveness, and in strengthening economic growth in both the urban and rural areas of our country.

Secretary Chao earned her MBA from the Harvard Business School and an economics degree from Mount Holyoke College.  Honored for her extensive record of accomplishments and public service, she is the recipient of 36 honorary doctorate degrees.