According to a recent report from Autos Drive America and the American International Automobile Dealers Association, international automakers accounted for $14.5 billion in economic impact for Alabama in 2024.
Companies such as Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota have helped Alabama achieve the financial milestone.
“International automakers have made the U.S. their home, with $14.5 billion invested in Alabama operations and $109 billion invested in the U.S.,” said Jennifer Safavian, President and CEO of Autos Drive America. “Because of their quality vehicles, the support of their communities, and the dedication of their talented workforce, they now produce more cars than the Detroit automakers: a testament to their commitment to their U.S. operations.”
“This year’s report makes clear that international automakers are driving economic growth throughout the country and helping to usher in a new chapter of U.S. manufacturing.”
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The annual report also showed that international automakers in the U.S. out-produced the Detroit-3 automakers for the first time in 2023, with Autos Drive America’s members producing 4.9 million light vehicles and the Detroit-3 producing 4.6 million.
Cody Lusk, AIADA President and CEO, explained the reason for publishing the report.
“It’s am important reminder that America’s more than 9,400 so-called ‘foreign’ dealerships are vital contributors to our nation’s economic health and development,” said Lusk. “Every day, I see firsthand the many ways in which international nameplate dealers serve their customers, create jobs, and establish themselves as economic engines for their communities.”
“The continued growth and success of these dealerships, as detailed within this report, is a reminder that with a level playing field, superior products, pricing, and service will always rise to the top.”
In 2023, international automakers directly employed 17,387 Alabamians, contributed $328 billion to the U.S. GDP, and provided $191 billion in employee compensation.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
