There are automotive design studios here in California as well. The big three auto makers use them for advance design concepts. I believe the new Chevy Camero was born here among others.

I was born and raised in Detroit, came here when I was 25. Found reasonably affordable college tuitions and was employed in the aircraft industry for close to 40 years. I worked as a design engineer for that time and was steadily employed. Hurrah for California!!