Michigan Matters: An Auto Accident Free Future?

(CBS Detroit) - The auto industry is making such tremendous inroads into driverless cars and safety that an accident free future is not out of the question within 10 years.

That according to John McElroy, longtime industry observer, host of "Autoline" and heard on WWJ Newsradio 950.

McElroy appeared on "Michigan Matters" with Rod Alberts, executive director of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, David Cole, founder of AutoHarvest , and host Carol Cain.

Alberts discussed the start of the upcoming North American International Auto Show, which is already taking shape at Cobo Center. The annual event will be held in mid January.

The panel talked about dropping gasoline prices and its impact on the Detroit Three automakers. Cole discussed the importance of the new Ford 150 pickup -- which was unveiled this week. "It will be a game changer," Cole said of the F150.

As for auto talks, which will be held in 2015, the panel talked about the United Auto Workers and its bargaining position with General Motors, Ford and Chrysler.

Also appearing on the show was Sam Slaughter, incoming president of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association and president of Slaughter Auto Group, and Gerry Piro, executive director of Covenant House Michigan.

Slaughter and Piro discussed the upcoming "Executive Sleep Out" fundraiser for the homeless being held Nov. 20 at Covenant House in Detroit.

Some high profiles executives from DMC, Delta, Wayne State and other companies are taking part in the all-night event where they will sleep outdoors in sleeping bags and cardboard boxes to raise awareness and money. It's all for a good cause.

Michigan Matters: An Auto Accident Free...

Michigan Matters: An Auto Accident Free...

Michigan Matters: An Auto Accident Free...

Michigan Matters: An Auto Accident Free...

Watch "Michigan Matters" at 11:30 a.m. Sundays only on CBS 62. Past episodes are available online at CBSDetroit.com/video.