Georgia and Mississippi are joining forces with Alabama on a new powerhouse partnership to keep the Southeast at the forefront of automotive and battery manufacturing.

The new partnership brings together the University of Alabama, the University of Georgia and Mississippi State University with the backing of governors from all three states, as well as Southern Company, Alabama Power, Georgia Power and Mississippi Power.

On Wednesday, state leaders announced the Mississippi-Alabama-Georgia Network for Evolving Transportation: MAGNET 

The new tri-state economic development initiative will be headquartered at The University of Alabama.

According to the impressive new braintrust, MAGNET organizes the region’s extensive and relevant capabilities and resources into a single, coordinated effort to ensure that the transportation revolution benefits from a well-supported infrastructure, a skilled workforce and a robust innovation pipeline. 

“In 2023, our three states collectively built 1.9 million cars – further establishing us as national leaders in auto manufacturing,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “With virtually every auto manufacturer across the globe actively electrifying their fleets, we must position ourselves at the forefront of this transformation.”

This week, a memorandum of understanding formalizing the alliance was signed by the three governors, the CEOs of Southern Company and its state utilities, and the presidents of UA, UGA and MSU. 

MAGNET is also among 29 semifinalists in the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines competition, making it a candidate for significant federal investment.

“Auto manufacturing plays an important role in Alabama’s economy and throughout the Southeast,” said Alabama Power Chairman, President, and CEO Jeff Peoples. 

“Across the Southern Company system, we are proud to support efforts that advance electric vehicle technology. Working together, we will help drive growth for decades to come.”

The Southeast’s automotive footprint has expanded rapidly over the past decade. 

Alabama’s manufacturing base, including Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Hyundai and Mazda-Toyota, is supplying vehicles and parts worldwide. 

Motor vehicles rank as Alabama’s No. 1 export category. Exports of Alabama-made automobiles totaled $11.2 billion in 2023, earning Alabama the No. 1 ranking among the states for vehicle exports.

Officials say the new alliance is designed to help the region maintain that momentum as the global industry shifts toward electrification and connected mobility.

“MAGNET is a game-changing opportunity for Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi to lead in transforming vehicle and battery manufacturing,” Peter Mohler, President of the University of Alabama said. 

“By uniting the research strengths of our universities with industry and government support, we’re driving innovation, workforce development and economic growth across the region.”

Grayson Everett is the editor and chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.