Huntsville, Alabama, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Governor Kay Ivey addressed industry leaders at the Southern Automotive Conference in Huntsville, emphasizing Alabama’s growth in the automotive sector. The conference, focused on innovation, brought together regional leaders to discuss investment and collaboration in the auto industry. Key highlights included Alabama’s automotive investment of over $15 billion and its ranking as No. 2 for auto exports in the U.S. The event showcased Alabama’s commitment to transforming the automotive landscape, particularly in electric vehicles and workforce development.
Huntsville Welcomes Southern Automotive Conference
Huntsville, Alabama – Governor Kay Ivey addressed industry leaders at the Southern Automotive Conference (SAC) last week, highlighting the continued growth of the auto sector in the region as a significant contributor to economic development and job creation. The governor emphasized that Alabama is a prime location for industrial growth, particularly in automobile manufacturing, aligning with the conference’s slogan, “Made in the South.”
The 2025 SAC is a three-day event aimed at fostering transformation and innovation within the Southern automotive industry. This annual conference rotates among Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee, underlining the collaborative spirit among these states.
Ivey welcomed attendees to Huntsville, famously known as “Rocket City” due to its historical significance in the U.S. space program and its emerging automotive manufacturing capabilities. The governor pointed out the pivotal role of the partnership between Mazda and Toyota in Huntsville, where Toyota operates its largest auto engine-producing facility in North America, alongside a newly established joint auto manufacturing plant between the two companies.
In terms of investment, over $15 billion has been poured into Alabama’s automotive facilities by five global automakers, leading to the construction of more than 15 million vehicles, as reported by the Alabama Department of Commerce. Major automotive companies such as Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Hyundai, and the Mazda-Toyota joint venture have established plants in Alabama, collectively boasting an annual production capacity of 1.3 million vehicles.
The automotive sector is a vital aspect of Alabama’s economy, supporting more than 53,000 direct jobs and ranking as the state’s top export. Alabama is currently positioned as No. 2 nationwide for auto exports, indicating a robust automotive industry that has experienced significant growth over the past three decades, transitioning from a textile-based economy to a manufacturing-dominated landscape.
Governor Ivey also mentioned the collaboration between state agencies, universities, and community colleges, which is vital for supporting the expansion of the automotive industry. The SAC’s agenda featured discussions on the future of electric vehicles, with Mike Oatridge presenting on current mobility trends and power. Additionally, the conference included a pitch competition designed to foster innovation, as well as a session on cross-industry collaboration between the automotive and aerospace sectors, with input from experts at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.
Prominent figures such as Greg Reed, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Workforce, and Greg Canfield, former Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, led sessions focused on addressing workforce reinvention challenges that the automotive industry faces.
Key Highlights of the Automotive Sector in Alabama
- Over $15 billion invested in automotive facilities.
- More than 15 million vehicles produced.
- Annual production capacity of 1.3 million vehicles.
- Over 53,000 direct jobs supported.
- Ranked No. 2 nationwide for auto exports.
About the Southern Automotive Conference (SAC)
The SAC serves as a crucial venue for leaders in the automotive industry to discuss innovative technologies and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing the region’s automotive landscape. The focus on electric vehicles indicates a shift towards sustainable practices within the industry, while collaboration between various sectors demonstrates an effort to leverage expertise across different fields.
Future Outlook
The outlook for Alabama’s automotive sector remains positive, with continued investment and innovation steering the industry towards new heights. Governor Ivey’s remarks at the SAC underline the commitment of the state to maintaining its leadership position in the automotive manufacturing arena.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Southern Automotive Conference (SAC)?
The SAC emphasizes transformation and innovation in the Southern automotive industry and promotes cooperation among states like Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
How many direct jobs does the automotive sector support in Alabama?
The automotive sector supports over 53,000 direct jobs in Alabama.
What investments have global automakers made in Alabama?
Over $15 billion has been invested by five global automakers in Alabama’s automotive facilities.
What is Alabama’s ranking in auto exports nationally?
Alabama ranks No. 2 nationally for auto exports.
Key Features of Alabama’s Automotive Sector
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment | Over $15 billion in automotive facilities |
| Vehicle Production | More than 15 million vehicles produced |
| Annual Production Capacity | 1.3 million vehicles |
| Direct Jobs Supported | 53,000 |
| National Auto Export Ranking | No. 2 in the U.S. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Huntsville’s Automotive Industry Flourishes with Major Investments
Governor Ivey Addresses Southern Automotive Conference in Huntsville
Additional Resources
- Yellowhammer News: Gov. Ivey Touts Growth & Innovation in Alabama Auto Industry
- Wikipedia: Automobile Industry in Alabama
- AL.com: Huntsville Auto Plant Pauses Production
- Google Search: Huntsville Automotive Industry
- Rocket City Now: Southern Automotive Conference 2025
- Google Scholar: Alabama Automotive Manufacturing
- Alabama Reflector: Trump’s Tariffs Impacting Alabama Auto Manufacturing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automobile Tariffs
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
