Governor Ivey Addresses Southern Automotive Conference in Huntsville

Huntsville, October 9, 2025

News Summary

Governor Kay Ivey recently spoke at the Southern Automotive Conference in Huntsville, emphasizing the automotive industry’s growth in the region. The three-day event, themed ‘Made in the South’, gathered industry leaders to discuss innovations in auto manufacturing. Ivey highlighted Alabama’s significant investments and job creation in the sector, particularly noting the state’s important partnerships with global automakers. The conference featured discussions on electric vehicles and collaborations with NASA, showcasing the ongoing evolution of the automotive landscape in the South.

Huntsville, Alabama – Governor Kay Ivey addressed industry leaders at the Southern Automotive Conference (SAC), highlighting the thriving automotive sector in the region. The three-day conference, which began on Tuesday, focuses on the transformation and innovation occurring within the Southern automotive industry. Ivey emphasized that the sector plays a critical role in economic growth and job creation across the region.

The SAC, with the theme “Made in the South,” showcases Southern states as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in auto manufacturing. The annual event takes place in several Southeastern states, including Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee, gathering industry executives, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) leaders, suppliers, educators, and government officials to discuss advancements and future trends.

Ivey referred to Huntsville as a “Rocket City,” renowned for its contributions to the U.S. space program and its status as an automotive manufacturing center. The city is home to a joint automobile manufacturing partnership between Mazda and Toyota and hosts Toyota’s largest auto engine factory in North America, reinforcing the area’s significance in the automotive landscape.

Alabama’s automotive sector has become a key player nationally, with over $15 billion invested by five global automakers in facilities across the state. More than 15 million vehicles have been built in Alabama, resulting in a combined annual production capacity of 1.3 million vehicles. The automotive industry also supports over 53,000 direct jobs in Alabama and ranks second nationwide for auto exports, with motor vehicles being the state’s top export.

During her address, Ivey traced the rapid development of the state’s auto manufacturing sector back 28 years to the first Alabama-built Mercedes M-Class vehicle rolling off the assembly line. This transition marks Alabama’s shift from reliance on the textile industry to automotive manufacturing as a foundational economic element.

Continuous collaboration between state agencies, universities, and community colleges has been established to enhance support for the auto industry, ensuring ongoing growth and innovation. The SAC agenda includes insightful panel discussions featuring Alabama automakers and a presentation on the future of electric vehicles by Mike Oatridge, Executive Director of the Alabama Mobility and Power Center. Additionally, the conference offers an innovation pitch competition and discussions on cross-industry collaboration with NASA experts.

Future sessions of SAC will focus on workforce development and initiatives to reinvent work environments, which will be led by prominent state officials like Greg Reed and Greg Canfield. The initiatives aim to meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry and prepare for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Southern Automotive Conference (SAC)?

The SAC is an annual event held in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee that gathers industry executives, OEM leaders, suppliers, educators, and government officials.

What is the theme of the SAC this year?

This year’s theme is “Made in the South,” emphasizing the Southern states as a hub for industrial growth in auto manufacturing.

What key partnerships exist in Huntsville’s automotive manufacturing?

Huntsville hosts a joint automobile manufacturing partnership between Mazda and Toyota and Toyota’s largest auto engine factory in North America.

How much have global automakers invested in Alabama’s automotive sector?

Five global automakers have invested over $15 billion in facilities across the state.

How many vehicles have been built in Alabama?

More than 15 million vehicles have been built in Alabama, with a combined annual production capacity of 1.3 million vehicles.

How many jobs does the automotive industry support in Alabama?

The automotive industry supports over 53,000 direct jobs in Alabama.

How does the automotive industry rank in Alabama’s exports?

Motor vehicles are the state’s top export, and Alabama ranks second nationwide for auto exports.

Key Features of the Southern Automotive Conference

Feature Description
Theme Made in the South
Location Huntsville, Alabama
Duration Three days
Key Partnerships Mazda and Toyota joint manufacturing; Toyota’s engine factory
Total Investment Over $15 billion from five global automakers
Vehicle Production More than 15 million vehicles
Direct Jobs Supported Over 53,000 jobs

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