A dozen Alabama autoworkers got the opportunity to participate in the inaugural Autos Drive America’s Congressional Drive-In on Capitol Hill recently.
The event brought close to 100 international automaker employees from across the United States to Capitol Hill to show the impact international automakers have made in their workforce and communities in Alabama and entire country.
“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 Jennifer Safavian, president and CEO of Autos Drive America. “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.”
“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. International automakers are providing American jobs to American workers, investing heavily in the future workforce, and providing quality careers with opportunities for growth.”
Rhonda Gilyard, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing vice president of Administration, called the visit for the employees “impactful.”
“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,” she said. “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, Hyundai Motor Company Vice President of Government Affairs, said his employees got to speak about their “personal story” with legislators.
“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.”
The automakers that took part in the Drive-In included BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo.
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. According to the 2023 Economic Impact Report, international automakers and dealerships contributed $12.6 billion to Alabama GSP in 2022.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
