Alabama automakers step up support for career pathway programs
Alabama’s automakers are expanding their broad-based efforts to create new career pathways for Alabama students interested in developing the skills needed in high-tech workplaces. Last week, Toyota USA Foundation announced grants of up to $6.7 million to prepare Huntsville City Schools’ students for future careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The collaboration, part…
Auto parts maker Shinhwa plans $114 million Alabama expansion
AUBURN, Alabama — Shinhwa Auto USA Corp. plans to invest $114 million to expand its manufacturing operation in Auburn to support the production of electric vehicle parts, according to Governor Kay Ivey. The growth project will create 50 jobs and add a new 170,000-square-foot production building on Shinhwa’s campus in Auburn Technology Park West. The…
Mercedes’ Alabama operation gears up for all-electric Maybach SUV
Mercedes-Benz’s Alabama operation is preparing to take the automaker’s concept of the ultra-luxury automobile to an electrifying new level, with the upcoming production launch of the 2024 Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 sport utility. Mercedes debuted the head-turning vehicle this week, saying “the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV sets the new benchmark in the all-electric top-end luxury SUV segment”…
Honda Alabama opens $16 million customization facility
LINCOLN, Alabama — Honda has launched a new facility at its Alabama Auto Plant that is dedicated to the installation of accessory option packages on its vehicles. The $16 million, 66,000-square-foot Post-Production Option facility will house a program that outfits the automaker’s light-truck lineup with features designed to add extra performance and function, including bronze…
Toyota Alabama launches $49 million solar project for engine plant
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Toyota Alabama’s engine manufacturing facility will soon be relying on the sun to generate over 70% of its power needs thanks to a 168-acre, $49 million solar project announced today. At a press briefing this morning, Toyota Alabama, Toyota Tsusho America Inc. (TAI) and Huntsville Utilities outlined a power purchase agreement to…
Hyundai Alabama launches production of electrified Genesis GV70 SUV
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Hyundai marked a major milestone at its Alabama plant on Tuesday, as company officials, employees and community leaders celebrated the launch of the first Genesis Electrified GV70 SUV. It’s the first model from Hyundai’s luxury division to be assembled in the U.S. and the first to be assembled outside of South Korea.…
Alabama auto sector races toward new milestones in 2023
Alabama’s auto industry is poised for another groundbreaking year in 2023, as companies deepen their commitment to electric vehicle production and other new technologies. Both Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz continue to expand their lineup of EV models built in the state. Honda, meanwhile, plans updates for several Alabama-made models, while Mazda Toyota Manufacturing proceeds with its…
Auto supplier Samkee Corp. selects Alabama for its first U.S. plant
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey announced today that Samkee Corp., a major South Korean automotive supplier, plans to invest $128 million to open its first U.S. factory in Alabama through a project that will create 170 jobs in Tuskegee and provide an economic boost for Macon County. After finalizing agreements with state and local…
Motor vehicles power growth for Alabama’s export machine
Alabama-built vehicles are blazing a trail in the global economy, ranking as the state’s top export product and serving as a brand ambassador that landed in 73 foreign countries in 2021. More than $7.7 billion in Alabama vehicle exports were recorded in 2021, topping the total from pre-pandemic 2019 by over $1 billion, according to…
Honda Alabama launches production of redesigned 2023 Pilot SUV
LINCOLN, Alabama — Honda’s Alabama Auto Plant has notched another major milestone, with the launch of a redesigned Pilot SUV that is already setting records for the automaker. The 2023 Pilot is the largest and most powerful SUV in Honda’s history, and it required significant changes in structure and training at the $3 billion, 4,500-worker…
