International automakers, dealers, and their suppliers have generated 88,060 jobs in Alabama alone, paying $6 billion in total employee compensation. International automakers invested $14.2 billion in Alabama’s auto industry. To showcase this success, twelve workers from Mazda, Hyundai, Mercedes, and Honda visited Capitol Hill to showcase the tremendous impact international automakers are making in communities across Alabama and the U.S.
The twelve autoworkers from Alabama Wednesday participated in Autos Drive America’s first-ever Congressional Drive-In, bringing nearly 100 international automaker employees from across the country to Capitol Hill.
International automakers in Alabama produced 968,704 vehicles in Alabama, accounting for 100% of production in the state. According to the 2023 Economic Impact Report, international automakers and dealerships contributed $12.6 billion to Alabama’s economy in 2022. Alabama’s six manufacturing facilities and 144 nameplate dealers contributed $903 million to state and local revenues.
Jennifer Safavian is the President and CEO of Autos Drive America.
“We were thrilled to host workers from Alabama for our inaugural Congressional Drive-In, where they had a chance to speak with lawmakers about the incredible impact international automakers are making in the Yellowhammer State,” said Safavian. “The investments our members are making have ushered in a resurgence of U.S. manufacturing—upskilling and growing the automotive workforce while meeting evolving consumer demands. With over $107 billion invested nationwide, communities across Alabama are feeling the benefits of international automakers through career opportunities that help strengthen America’s middle class.”
Rhonda Gilyard is the President of Administration at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM).
“Meeting with our Alabama legislators on Capitol Hill as part of the Autos Drive America Drive-In was such an impactful experience for our TEAM ONE members to share their manufacturing career stories,” said Gilyard. “MTM provides vital automotive manufacturing careers in North Alabama and helps our TEAM One members reach their goals, continue their education, and upskill to work with the rapidly evolving advanced automotive technologies.”
Rob Hood is the President of Government Affairs at Hyundai Motor Company.
“Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama’s team members were excited to have a chance to share their story with members of Congress,” said Hood. “We are proud to make a positive impact on Montgomery and the surrounding communities. This was a worthwhile experience for our team members to share their personal story with these important leaders.”
This year the event’s theme was “Investing in US,” which highlighted the tremendous investments that international automakers make in their workforce as well as in their communities across Alabama and the nation.
Autos Drive America’s members offer 140 workforce development programs aimed at upskilling and reskilling their current employees as well as educating the workers of the future and have invested a collective $107 billion in their U.S. operations.
“The Drive-In gave members of Congress a chance to hear first-hand from constituents about how our members in Alabama are investing in their workforce and communities,” added Safavian. “International automakers are providing American jobs to American workers, investing heavily in the future workforce, and providing quality careers with opportunities for growth.”
International automakers have invested $107 billion in their U.S. operations and directly employ 156,000 Americans, 103,600 of whom are in manufacturing jobs.
Workers and executives from BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo met with over 60 offices on Capitol Hill to discuss international automakers’ community impact, investments in their production facilities, and how they are preparing both today’s workers and the future workforce for the evolving challenges and opportunities facing the automotive manufacturing industry.
Autos Drive America represents the U.S. operations of international motor vehicle manufacturers integral to America’s workforce, communities, and economy. As the voice of international automakers in the United States, Autos Drive America works closely with policymakers at all levels of government to advance policies that promote jobs, trade, and growth in the U.S. automotive industry.
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