“The U.S. automotive industry is a leader in innovation and technology, and international automakers play a leading role in the development and deployment of the vehicles using these advanced systems. The collection and protection of data is of paramount importance to international automakers and our members share the administration’s goal of mitigating any security risks.

We look forward to working with the administration to ensure that this investigation does not impact the U.S. automotive industry’s ability to remain competitive and avoids any near-term disruptions in advancing leading edge technologies that drive auto production and innovation in the U.S.”

In the heart of Alabama, international automakers are not just building cars – they are driving forward the state’s economy and setting the pace for Alabama’s competitiveness on a global stage. International automakers in Alabama employ nearly 18,000 people, have invested $14.2 billion, and produce nearly 1,000,000 cars and trucks each year – that’s 100% of the state’s auto production. International automakers also hold 55% market share of all new vehicle sales in Alabama. In short, Autos Drive America member companies’ impact in the Yellowhammer State is both profound and multifaceted.   Now, a recent report from Made in Alabama showing a record $27.4 billion in exports in 2023 highlights the significant role these manufacturers play not just in Alabama, but on a global stage.   This export success, driven by the overseas shipment of Alabama-made vehicles, underscores the importance of strategic trade policies that enable domestic manufacturers to thrive in a competitive marketplace. Such policies are essential for maintaining and enhancing the state’s economic vitality and ensuring that the “Made in Alabama” brand continues to represent quality and innovation worldwide.  The synergy between Alabama’s thriving auto industry and its record export numbers is no coincidence. It’s the result of concerted efforts by international automakers to invest in the future – through workforce development, community engagement, and significant financial commitments to the state’s economy and workers. These investments have transformed Alabama into an auto manufacturing hub.  But the story doesn’t end with manufacturing prowess and economic statistics. It’s also about the ripple effect these investments and exports have on local communities and the broader American economy. By providing high-skilled, good-paying careers, international automakers in Alabama are helping contribute to a robust and resilient economy that benefits all Americans.  As we celebrate these accomplishments, it’s crucial to recognize the role of effective trade policies in facilitating this success. Policies that reduce barriers and open markets to U.S. exports are the keys to ensuring Alabama’s auto industry continues flourishing. The Made in Alabama report is a call for Alabama’s congressional delegation to prioritize and pursue trade agreements that bolster the state’s ability to compete globally and secure a prosperous future for its workers.  At Autos Drive America, our commitment to advocating for policies that support the automotive industry's growth and competitiveness has never been stronger. The achievements of international automakers in Alabama are not just a testament to their dedication but also a reminder of the collective efforts needed to maintain momentum in this fast-paced, global economy. As we look to the future, let's build on this foundation of success, ensuring that Alabama, and the other 12 states in which international automakers have manufacturing facilities, remain at the forefront of automotive excellence and innovation. 
The electric vehicle evolution that is taking place in the automotive industry is having a huge effect on Alabama’s economic development efforts. As the state’s automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) ramp up production of EVs, starting with Mercedes-Benz next year, Alabama has to ensure the suppliers in the state are in a position to make the transition where possible. “The interesting thing about economic development and what we’re doing at Commerce, is we are always asking that question: ‘What’s next?’,” said Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield. “If you’re not evolving, you’re dying and that’s exactly what we’re seeing with the automotive industry, is the automotive industry is evolving its technology. That evolution today is focused on the electrification of vehicles.” Learn more...
Kia Motors America, which operates an assembly plant in Troup County producing 340,000 vehicles a year, recently dropped “Motors” from its name and is now known simply as “Kia America.” The reason? The Korean automaker’s $25 billion plan to transition to electric vehicles soon will make “motors” obsolete. That same trend is behind Gov. Brian Kemp’s announcement July 20 of a new statewide initiative aimed at strengthening Georgia’s status as a leader in the electric mobility industry. The Electric Mobility and Innovation Alliance (EMIA) will bring industry executives together with state leaders in government, education, utilities and nonprofits to look for ways to build up an industry that already has enjoyed some major successes. “Georgia has a proven track record of investing early in the resources and infrastructure needed to connect it to the world and develop jobs of the future,” Kemp said. “The Electric Mobility and Innovation Alliance will ensure that our state is positioned to continue leading the nation in the rapidly growing electric mobility industry.” Learn more...
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has announced a $16.5 million investment into the University of Alabama Research and Development Building. The project will be a joint project for the University, the Alabama Power Company, and Mercedes with state support. The $16.5 million worth of bonds were issued by the Alabama Public School and College Authority and were authorized by the Alabama Legislature to fund capital improvements for the state’s education system. The grants will allow for the construction of the Smart Communities and Innovation Building on The University of Alabama campus. UA announced that it has an agreement to strengthen its long-standing relationship with Alabama Power Company and Mercedes-Benz U.S. International through the Alabama Mobility and Power Initiative. AMP is designed to meet the needs of the booming electric vehicle market and support Alabama’s transportation network. The AMP Initiative will be housed in the Smart Communities and Innovation Building. Learn more...
A transport company that will support operations at the $2.3 billion Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA plant is locating in Athens, with plans to hire an estimated 100 workers, officials said. KC Logistics approached the city of Athens earlier this month with an offer to buy property in Breeding Industrial Park south of U.S. 72 to build a logistics center. The Athens City Council on Monday night approved the sale of 12.65 acres on Durham Drive to the Carleton, Michigan-based company for $250,000. The site is next to Intech, formerly Turner Medical. The company expects to hire about 100 employees, including drivers, mechanics and technical support personnel, and invest more than $12 million on a new building, tractors and trailers, said the company's chief financial officer Joseph G. Smith, in a letter to Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks. KC Logistics wants to set up a temporary office trailer on the site to begin hiring employees. Learn more...
The port of Mobile in the US state of Alabama has a new $60m finished vehicle ro-ro terminal including a 3,700 sq.m vehicle processing centre (VPC) and storage capacity for 7,000 vehicles. The facility, which was officially opened last week, is being operated by AutoMobile International Terminal, a joint venture between Argentine operator Terminal Zarate and Neltume Ports, which is based in Chile. “Prolific growth in Alabama’s automotive sector has made it a crucial hub for the US auto industry, supporting tens of thousands of jobs across the state,” said Nancy Southern, member of the board directors at Neltume Ports and chair and CEO of Atco Group, which owns 40% of Neltume. “Today we are throwing open a gateway to the world. One that incentivizes growth and investment along the automotive value chain. It will further cement the port of Mobile as a catalyst of global trade.” Learn more...
One Mercedes supplier in west Alabama expects to create more than 400 new jobs to keep pace with new vehicles being built at MBUSI.  Automotive parts supplier Lear Corporation could eventually hire for up to 450 new jobs. It’s expanding because it supplies parts for the nearby Mercedes Benz US International plant that is building a brand new electric vehicle in the next few months to a year.  Positions at Lear include entry level production jobs as well as maintenance jobs. Learn more...
South Carolina’s 5,290 manufacturers deliver up to $206 billion a year in economic impact to the state, sustaining 700,000 jobs that pay $36 billion in annual wages, a recent study sponsored by the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance (SCMA) said. The 40-page economic impact study, produced by SC Future Makers, a workforce nonprofit affiliated with the SCMA, maintains manufacturing either directly or indirectly supported 30% of Palmetto State jobs and more than 15% of about 350,000 private-sector jobs created in South Carolina between 2010-19 have been in manufacturing. “The manufacturing industry has been the driving force of our state’s economy for over a century,” SCMA President and CEO Sara Hazzard said. “The value and promise that American manufacturing provides is South Carolina’s story. Ours is an industry that offers great careers, drives innovation, transforms communities for the better, and creates lasting impacts that benefit all South Carolinians.” Learn more...
Ask the unknowing about South Carolina manufacturing and you may hear tales of woe, of a sector staggered by decades of textile mill closings and disappearing apparel jobs. That view, though, is dated and overlooks the segment’s rebirth and, with it, the restyling of the state’s business profile. The success of BMW’s assembly plant in Greer is well known, with the 11,000-employee facility turning out 1,500 sports utility vehicles daily, but there are numerous other advanced manufacturers at work in South Carolina, slowly changing the perception of a state subsisting on cheap, semi-skilled labor. Learn more...