lithium ion batteries

The Big 3 are back to investing in Metro Detroit, announcing more than $2 billion worth of new investments that will help retain tens of thousands of jobs in everything from bending metal at factories to developing the newest lithium ion batteries.

This is Detroit. We make things here. U.S.

Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke blew through the metro area Wednesday to help drive home that point, explaining that this means everything from traditional exports to job creating start-ups.

It looks like the consolation prize could turn into a very good thing for Warren. The inner-ring suburb wasn't successful in luring General Motors headquarters away from Detroit to GM's Tech Center in Warren, but it was able to land the next best thing – a coveted advanced battery lab.

The Global Battery Systems Lab is special because it will develop new advanced automotive batteries (think lithium-ion batteries) along with the electric plug-in, fuel cell, and hybrid cars designed to use them, such as the Chevrolet Volt.

Two lithium ion battery manufacturers with offices in Metro Detroit plan to build two advanced automotive battery factories in Michigan.

Exact locations are still unknown, but LG Chem-Compact Power and A123Systems have traditionally invested in Southeast Michigan.

The car batteries of the future will be made where the automobile was first perfected, right here in Metro Detroit.

State officials have approved tax incentives that will allow General Motors and Ford to develop and build lithium-ion batteries here in Metro Detroit.

The two corporate behemoths will invest tens of millions of dollars and create hundreds of jobs thanks to $61.8 million in tax incentives.

Good news... big news is starting to surface in Metro Detroit. The latest installment is A123Systems' intention to build a large lithium ion battery manufacturing plant in southeast Michigan.