Michigan Woos Corporate Headquarters of Internet Auto Exchange.

Byline: Jeffery McCracken

Jun. 17--Michigan has its eyes on a high-tech prize.

It may end up amounting to only a few hundred jobs, but state officials say they would be devastated if this start-up business locates elsewhere.

The object of Michigan's desire is Covisint, the new business-to-business Internet exchange automakers are creating.

While Covisint insists it is months from deciding where to put its corporate headquarters -- and is focused on other issues -- the state will offer incentives to Covisint next month.

"This is very high stakes for us. This is a very high-profile company and is one we can't afford to lose," said Doug Rothwell, chief executive officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

Covisint will likely be the world's largest e-commerce company, handling more than $200 billion in annual purchasing while …