Since beginning production in South Carolina, international automakers have been an important part of the fabric of the state’s automotive manufacturing industry. And last year, those companies marked a milestone: for the first time, international automakers in the U.S. outperformed Detroit's automakers in vehicle production, marking a historic shift in the U.S. automotive landscape. Investments from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo have cultivated economic growth and career opportunities for communities throughout South Carolina and the country.
In South Carolina, international automakers produced 486,358 vehicles in 2023 alone. And with 500 facilities across 36 states, international automakers out-produced the Detroit-3 by more than 300,000 vehicles.
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This achievement can be attributed to several factors, including investment in new facilities, increased production of new vehicle models, and continuous investment into the efficiency and productivity of existing facilities, leading to an average production per U.S. factory of 250,000 units. But the No. 1 reason that international automakers were able to reach this milestone is the dedication and commitment automakers have to their operations here in South Carolina and across the country.
As president and CEO of Autos Drive America, the leading voice for international automakers with operations in the U.S., I am particularly proud to highlight the substantial impact our member companies have on the U.S. auto industry as well as the national economy. Our annual Economic Impact Report (EIR) provides a detailed account of their contributions, helping all Americans understand how critical these employers and manufacturers are to our national economy.
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Our latest EIR paints a clear picture of growth, resilience, and innovation. Despite facing economic headwinds and uncertainties in global trade, our members have expanded their footprint here in the U.S. and reaffirmed their commitment to the American automotive sector.
In 2023, our member companies maintained a strong workforce with 156,000 direct jobs, with total employee compensation topping $191 billion. On top of that, the total number of jobs supported by international automakers grew to 2.4 million, highlighting these companies’ ability to provide stable, high-quality employment opportunities across the entire country. Here in South Carolina, our member companies directly employ 16,037 workers and contribute $1 billion to state and local tax revenue.
International automakers would not be able to achieve this level of success without the contributions of their talented and dedicated workforce. Our members’ commitment goes far beyond financial; our data shows that international automakers offered 337 workforce development programs last year across 36 states, preparing the next generation of automotive manufacturing for tomorrow’s challenges.
The data from the 2024 EIR illustrates the enduring commitment of international automakers to the United States. With more than $16.2 billion invested in South Carolina, Autos Drive America’s members are truly invested in their workers, their facilities, and their communities.
International automakers are not bystanders in South Carolina’s automotive industry; they are driving its transformation. Their contributions to job creation, economic growth, and technological innovation are setting new standards for the industry. The continued impact of international automakers is a powerful testament to their resilience, innovation, and commitment to local economies.
Jennifer Safavian is the president and CEO of Autos Drive America.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: International automakers are driving economic growth, job growth in S.C. and beyond
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