DETROIT, MI — September 19, 2023 — the Detroit Smart Parking Lab (DSPL), a first-of-its-kind real-world test site for emerging parking-related mobility technologies, is thrilled to announce its recent recognition as Innovative Facility of the Year by the National Parking Association (NPA). The accolade is a testament to the DSPL’s dedication to supporting innovative parking and mobility technologies.
The NPA is the leading trade association focused on parking in North America, representing more than 2,500 members in both the public and private sectors. The Most Innovative Facility Award is presented annually to recognize outstanding achievements in parking facility design, technology integration and sustainable practices.
“This accolade from the National Parking Association underscores the power of strategic partnerships in advancing mobility solutions that revolutionize the way people move,” said Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer of the State of Michigan. “By fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, the DSPL is shaping the future of mobility through smarter, more efficient parking solutions. We extend our sincere gratitude to the National Parking Association for recognizing the value and potential of our innovative efforts.”
Key highlights of the DSPL’s innovative approach include:
- Public-Private Partnership: The DSPL is a public-private partnership between the State of Michigan, Bosch, Ford Motor Company and Bedrock Detroit, allowing the unique assets of each organization to support innovation in the space.
- Multi-Modal Integration: DSPL has successfully integrated charging infrastructure for various modes of transportation, including electric bikes. Supporting multimodal transportation and first/last-mile solutions for urban transportation.
- Unique Funding Opportunities: The DSPL is a part of the Michigan Office of Future Mobility’s test site network, which allows for companies to apply for grant funding through the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (MMFP) to offset the cost of deploying in the lab. More than $600,000 in state-led grants through the MMFP have supported deployments in the DSPL since the launch of the project.
In response to receiving the Most Innovative Facility Award from the NPA, Kevin Bopp, Chief Executive Officer at Park Rite one of two operators at Detroit Smart Parking Lab, commented, “It was an incredible honor to accept the Detroit Smart Parking Lab before an audience of individuals whos careers are dedicated to enhancing the parking and mobility ecosystem. What the DSPL Sponsors and Operating Team are accomplishing is unparalleled and I could not be more proud to see that effort recognized on a national stage. We will continue to keep Detroit and Michigan at the epicenter of mobility innovation for years to come.”
The DSPL team extends its gratitude to the National Parking Association for recognizing their efforts. The Lab remains committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation, with a vision to be the world’s leading innovation hub designed to advance technology in parking, logistics and EV charging strategies.
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About Detroit Smart Parking Lab:
Detroit Smart Parking Lab (DSPL) is a cutting-edge initiative focused on transforming parking and transportation solutions in urban environments. Through the integration of smart technology, sustainable practices, and community engagement, the Lab aims to create a more accessible, efficient, and environmentally friendly urban experience. For more information, visit the website.
About the National Parking Association:
The National Parking Association (NPA) is the leading authority on parking in North America, serving more than 2,500 members in both the public and private sectors. NPA provides leadership, advocacy, education, and solutions for the parking industry. For more information, visit https://weareparking.org/.
ABOUT THE SPONSORS:
About Bedrock Detroit:
Bedrock is a full-service real estate firm specializing in innovative city-building strategies, reaching far beyond the boundaries of bricks and mortar. Since its founding in 2011, Bedrock and its affiliates have invested and committed more than $5.6 billion to acquiring and developing more than 100 properties in Detroit and Cleveland, including landmark developments at the Hudson’s Site, the Book Tower restoration, City Modern and the May Company Building.
Bedrock’s portfolio totals more than 19 million square feet of office, retail and residential space within new construction and adaptive reuse projects.
For more information on Bedrock’s projects, visit bedrockdetroit.com
About Bosch:
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 394,500 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2020). According to preliminary figures, the company generated sales of $87.1 billion in 2020. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. As a leading IoT provider, Bosch offers innovative solutions for smart homes, Industry 4.0, and connected mobility. Bosch is pursuing a vision of mobility that is sustainable, safe, and exciting. It uses its expertise in sensor technology, software, and services, as well as its own IoT cloud, to offer its customers connected, cross-domain solutions from a single source. The Bosch Group’s strategic objective is to facilitate connected living with products and solutions that either contain artificial intelligence (AI) or have been developed or manufactured with its help. Bosch improves quality of life worldwide with products and services that are innovative and spark enthusiasm. In short, Bosch creates technology that is “Invented for life.” The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 440 subsidiary and regional companies in 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. The basis for the company’s future growth is its innovative strength. At 126 locations across the globe, Bosch employs some 73,000 associates in research and development, as well as roughly 30,000 software engineers.
Additional information is available online at www.bosch.us, www.iot.bosch.com, https://us.bosch-press.com, https://twitter.com/BoschPress
About Ford Motor Company:
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford is pursuing mobility solutions through Ford Next, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 177,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.
About Michigan Economic Development Corporation:
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.
ABOUT THE OPERATORS:
About NextEnergy:
NextEnergy is a Detroit-based non-profit that works with innovators to accelerate solutions for smarter, cleaner, more accessible communities and cities. Learn more about NextEnergy here.
About Park Rite:
Founded in 1975 by three brothers with one location, Park Rite has grown into a prominent leader as a provider of parking services. Today, Park Rite operates nearly 60 locations from Detroit to Ann Arbor, parking over 5 million cars per year.
