Alabama auto industry’s rapid growth fueled by billions in new investment
For Alabama’s economic future, the pivotal moment came on Sept. 30, 1993, when executives of Mercedes-Benz arrived in Tuscaloosa with an announcement that shocked the global business community. In the months leading to that day, a Mercedes team had explored potential sites in at least 30 states as a home for the automaker’s first U.S.…
Alabama claims No. 1 spot among auto-exporting states for first time
Alabama has become the nation’s No. 1 auto-exporting state, with international vehicle shipments surging past $11.2 billion in 2023 to overtake long-time leader South Carolina, according to new trade data. Alabama’s auto exports have climbed 45% in value since 2021, when they totaled $7.7 billion, according to figures from the Alabama Department of Commerce. “Alabama’s…
Report: 2023 growth projects to inject $6.4 billion into Alabama communities
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey announced today that companies launching operations or expanding existing facilities in Alabama during 2023 are poised to make investments totaling over $6.4 billion, building on the state’s winning economic development track record with another year of steady job creation. “We continue to make significant progress in our mission to…
Toyota Alabama kicks off production on new engine line after $222 million project
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Toyota Alabama announced today that it has started production on its i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo engine line at its Huntsville engine plant, culminating a $222 million investment project launched in 2022. Toyota Alabama said the new engine line will provide powertrains for the all-new Tacoma pickup and reinforces its commitment to diversified powertrains…
Gov. Ivey: Unions want to target one of Alabama’s crown jewel industries, but I’m standing up for Alabamians and protecting our jobs
Sept. 30, 1993 marked a watershed moment in Alabama history. That is the day Mercedes-Benz went against the grain and chose our state to be the home of their first U.S. manufacturing facility. It was a decision that changed the future of our state like no one could have imagined. Fast forward more than 30…
New $30 million EV training center will support auto industry growth
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey announced today that Alabama is building a $30 million workforce training center in Decatur that will focus on electric vehicles and emerging technologies in order to position the state’s auto industry for the next chapter of its growth. The facility will be located on the campus of the Alabama Robotics…
Hyundai Alabama plans major investment with new Santa Fe SUV on way
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Hyundai announced plans today to invest $290 million in upgrades at its Montgomery assembly plant as the facility prepares to build the next-generation Santa Fe sport utility. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) officials announced the automaker’s investment plans at a ceremony at the plant, where they were joined by Governor Kay Ivey,…
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…
AIDT targets 11,000 new auto industry workers with ‘Shift’ campaign
AIDT, Alabama’s primary workforce development agency, is accelerating its efforts to expand employment in the state’s auto industry by reviving a multi-state campaign to attract a new generation of workers for the fast-growing sector. AIDT is relaunching its Shift campaign, which debuted in March 2022, to help fill over 11,000 career opportunities now available at…
