World travelers: Alabama-made vehicles crisscross the globe as exports surge
From the deserts of the Middle East to urban centers across Asia and villages dotting the European countryside, vehicles made in Alabama are making a lasting impression. Exports of state-made automobiles continued to grow at an impressive rate in 2016, rising 13 percent to $7.9 billion. So far this year, the numbers are holding steady…
‘Minnie Van’: Redesigned Alabama-built Odyssey makes memorable debut
The latest transformation of the Alabama-made Honda Odyssey is turning heads. The redesigned, 2018 edition of the top-selling minivan hit dealer lots this summer and is already earning high marks from reviewers for its performance, technology and other new and improved features. Adding to the buzz, Honda also teamed up with Disney-ABC to create a…
Alabama auto sector primed for growth with $1 billion in new investment
Alabama’s auto industry continues to thrive, racking up new jobs and investments in communities across the state. Last year, there were at least 68 auto projects, for an estimated total of 3,848 jobs and $907.1 million in new capital investment, according to an analysis of the 2016 New & Expanding Industry Report. New projects announced…
GLOBAL POWER: Alabama engine operations fill key role for automakers
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – Alabama is not only one of the top producers of vehicles in the U.S., it’s also a major source of the power under their hoods. Last year, state manufacturers combined to turn out more than 1.75 million engines, and those assembly lines continue to achieve new milestones this year. Leading the pack…
HISTORY: Alabama auto production races past 10 million mark
There’s no question 2016 was a banner year for Alabama’s auto industry, in more ways than one. For one thing, workers at the Alabama facilities of Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Hyundai combined to build more than 1 million vehicles for the second consecutive year and reached a new record high output. But another major milestone was…
Mercedes held keys to start Alabama auto industry boom
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama – In the 20 years since Mercedes-Benz began producing the M-Class SUV in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama’s auto industry has roared to life in communities across the state. Vehicle production has steadily risen to make Alabama one of the Top 5 auto-producing states in the U.S. Last year, for the second year in a…
Honda’s redesigned Alabama-made Odyssey takes center stage at Detroit auto show
DETROIT, Michigan — Honda today introduced the world to the latest version of its Odyssey minivan, a top-selling model that is produced at the company’s Alabama factory. The redesigned 2018 Odyssey, unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, raises the stakes for family-friendly packaging, performance and technology in the minivan segment, said…
Alabama-built Honda Ridgeline wins 2017 ‘Truck of the Year’ award
DETROIT, Michigan — The Alabama-built Honda Ridgeline pickup has been named the 2017 North American Truck of the Year. The award was announced this morning at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Ridgeline bested two other finalists: the Ford F-series Super Duty and the Nissan Titan. In accepting the award, John Mendel, executive vice president of…
RECORD YEAR: Alabama auto production accelerates to all-time high in 2016
Alabama’s auto production climbed to a new record high in 2016, as workers at the state’s three auto assembly plants kept up a brisk pace of building SUVs, pickups and sedans for markets around the world. The Alabama factories of Honda, Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz combined to produce at least 1,048,597 vehicles, according to year-end figures…