Driving the Future of Defense Innovation: ARC and GVSC in the National Spotlight
“The technologies you are all spearheading will help prepare our military for the battlefield of the future.”
— U.S. Senator Gary Peters, Automotive Research Center (ARC) Annual Review 2025
At the 2025 Annual Review of the Automotive Research Center (ARC), U.S. Senator Gary Peters—a former Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and a strong advocate for service members and defense innovation—offered more than opening remarks. He delivered a message grounded in firsthand understanding of what military readiness demands, and why Michigan’s leadership in mobility and ground vehicle systems is vital to the nation’s future.
Held on June 17–18 in Ann Arbor, this year’s ARC Annual Review convened over 250 leaders across federal agencies, defense industries, and academia. Together, they explored how ARC’s mission aligns with national defense priorities while reinforcing Michigan’s legacy of automotive excellence.
“We are deeply grateful to Senator Gary Peters for his enduring leadership and steadfast support of the Automotive Research Center and our partnership with GVSC,” said Prof. Bogdan Epureanu, Director of the ARC, and Dr. David Gorsich, Chief Scientist at the U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center. “His recognition of the importance of our mission—to transform ground vehicle systems for the Army of the future—reaffirms our shared commitment to advancing technologies that protect our warfighters and strengthen national defense.”
Senator Peters acknowledged ARC’s pivotal contributions:
“I first just want to recognize all of the incredible work that’s being done by the Automotive Research Center to test, model, and develop some of the cutting-edge technologies that keep our service members safe and keep Michigan at the very center of our national security efforts.”
As a veteran and policymaker, Senator Peters has long understood the importance of preparing for evolving threats. His recognition of ARC’s role—especially in areas such as autonomy, digital engineering, lightweight materials, and next-generation energy systems—reflects the deepening impact of ARC’s partnership with the U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC).
“…on the federal level, I’m committed to ensuring we are prepared to continue leading in this space and why we’ve advocated and secured increased funding for your partnership with the Ground Vehicle Systems Center, GVSC. This partnership with GVSC is so important to both the future of our state and our country.”
ARC’s close collaboration with GVSC exemplifies how public research investments can accelerate defense transformation while positioning Michigan as a hub for national security innovation.
“To me, it’s absolutely critical that Michigan remains at the forefront of automotive and ground vehicle innovation in the year ahead,” Senator Peters added.
From AI-enabled mobility to soldier-centered simulation environments, ARC’s work is shaping the next generation of military capabilities. And with leaders like Senator Peters championing its mission—both in Washington and in Michigan—the path forward is clear: innovation rooted in service, powered by science, and deployed from Michigan.