Missouri governor heads to Detroit for auto show

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon is starting his second term in office by traveling to Detroit to meet with automobile manufacturers.

Nixon is scheduled to talk with representatives of General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. this week while also attending the North American International Auto Show.

This trip marks the fourth time Nixon has visited Detroit to meet with auto industry executives since he took office in January 2009. In his inaugural address Monday, Nixon touted working with the auto industry during his first term to prevent factory closings in Missouri.

The auto show is in its 25th year and opens to the public Saturday. Last year, the public portion drew 770,000 visitors and introduced 42 new vehicle models from around the world.