Detroit - Still the Automotive Capital of the World?

[bust]

I'll be the first to admit I know much less about the auto industry than most people from Detroit. Maybe had I stayed, not strayed... [[I have family members who shake their heads.) That's why I asked people's opinions here.

It was great to see the New York Times recently wrote a glowing review of the Chevy Bolt, which they say compares favorably to what Tesla has been doing:

How Did G.M. Create Tesla's Dream Car First?
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/15/te...car-first.html

But I wouldn't count Tesla out just yet. It's well known they've been unable to produce enough cars to meet the demand, but it looks like they're in it to win it. Their new battery factory in Nevada may be not just the largest factory in the world, but possibly the largest building in the world:

This Is the Enormous Gigafactory, Where Tesla Will Build Its Future
https://www.wired.com/2016/07/tesla-...ory-elon-musk/

Tesla Gigafactory Could Be Biggest Building in the World
http://www.autoblog.com/2015/07/16/t...ilding-report/

Of course you're correct heavy manufacturing takes a huge investment, but some of the tech companies in Silicon Valley [[etc.) have funny money cash, deep expertise in the software, and they move fast. Even if they're likely to quit or pivot just as quick if they encounter trouble [[they also "fail fast"). Maybe like you suggest partnerships will be the answer.

I'm rooting for the companies from my home town, naturally. I hope they're cutting the right path. And I'm looking forward to more of your insights. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.