New Economic Impact Report Shows International Automakers Boosting Manufacturing Jobs and Investments Across South Carolina

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Autos Drive America and the American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) today released their 2023 Economic Impact Report, highlighting the continued commitment and contributions international automakers and nameplate dealers are making across South Carolina. Investments from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, and Volvo Cars have cultivated economic growth and job creation for communities throughout the state. 

Key findings from the 2023 EIR include:   

• International automakers, dealers, and suppliers have generated 76,641 jobs in South Carolina, paying $5.5 billion in total employee compensation. 
• International automakers invested $15.3 billion in South Carolina’s auto industry, up from $13.8 billion in 2021.   
• International automakers in South Carolina produced 485,291 vehicles, accounting for 100% of production in the state. 
• International automakers are committed to electrification with BMW announcing a $1.3 billion investment to produce electric vehicles in South Carolina. 

South Carolina’s full report can be found here.  

“As our Economic Impact Report shows, international automakers have proven their commitment to fostering economic growth in communities across the U.S., especially in South Carolina,” said Jennifer Safavian, President and CEO of Autos Drive America. “The investments our members are making are helping to resurge U.S. manufacturing while meeting evolving consumer demands. At the same time, South Carolina’s communities are feeling the benefits of international automakers through family-sustaining career opportunities and competitive wages and benefits.”  

According to the 2023 Economic Impact Report, international automakers and dealerships contributed $11 billion to the state’s GSP. Between South Carolina’s five manufacturing facilities, one research and development center, and 151 international nameplate dealers, $1 billion was contributed to state and local revenues.   

The report also demonstrates how international automakers are setting the pace in green vehicle manufacturing, R&D, and sales in South Carolina. In 2022, Auto Drive America’s member organizations sold 11,441 of green vehicles, representing 69% of South Carolina’s market share. 

“The data is clear—international automakers are driving South Carolina’s manufacturing sector and economy forward,” Safavian continued. “Autos Drive America is confident that international automakers will continue this surge of investments in the U.S., and we think the best is yet to come.”  

The annual Economic Impact Report aims to educate policymakers and the public on today’s U.S. auto industry and international automakers and dealers’ growing economic footprint in South Carolina and across the U.S. The automobile manufacturers participating in the 2023 Autos Drive America and AIADA Economic Impact Survey were BMW Group, Honda, Hyundai, KIA, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen Group of America, and Volvo Cars. Sales data represents new vehicle registrations in the United States in 2022 for Acura, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Bugatti, Ferrari, Fiat, Honda, Hyundai, Genesis, Infiniti, Jaguar, KIA, Karma, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Lotus, Maserati, Mazda, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo Cars. 

### 

About Autos Drive America

Autos Drive America represents the U.S. operations of international motor vehicle manufacturers integral to America’s workforce, communities, and economy. As the voice of international automakers in the United States, Autos Drive America works closely with policymakers at all levels of government to advance policies that promote jobs, trade, and growth in the U.S. automotive industry. Learn more at www.autosdriveamerica.org. 

About AIADA

The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) serves as an advocate for international nameplate new automobile dealership franchises before Congress, the White House, and federal agencies. Visit AIADA online at www.aiada.org.

Follow more and subscribe to Charleston Daily