"We took the motto 'Let's not buy workbooks. Let's buy gear,'" said Klimek. Auto technology supplier Denso donated 18 connected vehicle technology units to the effort. "What I've learned is life skills... that can't be taken on a quiz," said Southfield High School senior Lamarn Johnson, 17. The governor made his announcement at Denso's Detroit auto show display, where the high school students exhibited some of their projects, including a Barbie car transformed into a autonomous vehicle. "We've been the heart of the auto industry and we're going to stay there," said Snyder. Automakers unveiled more than 50 vehicles in press previews at the Detroit auto show this week The show will be open to the public from Jan. 18-26 at Cobo Center, One Washington Blvd., following Press Preview Jan. 13-14; Industry Preview Jan. 15-16; and the Charity Preview featuring musician Sheryl Crow on Jan. 17.