JANS – Five autoworkers from Mississippi participated in Autos Drive America’s first-ever Congressional “Drive-In”, bringing nearly 100 international automaker employees from across the country to Capitol Hill.
The event’s theme, “Investing in US,” highlighted the tremendous investments that international automakers make in their workforce as well as in their communities across Mississippi and the nation. 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 into their U.S. operations.
“We were thrilled to host workers from Mississippi 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 Magnolia 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 Mississippi are feeling the benefits of international automakers through career opportunities that help strengthen America’s middle class.”
Autos Drive America’s 2023 Economic Impact Report shows international automakers have significantly expanded their footprint in the U.S. auto industry over the last six decades, with $107 billion invested into U.S. operations and 156,000 Americans directly employed – 103,600 of which are in manufacturing jobs.
According to the 2023 Economic Impact Report, international automakers and dealerships contributed $4.3 billion to Mississippi GSP in 2022. Between Mississippi’s two manufacturing facilities and 81 nameplate dealers, $415 million was contributed to state and local revenues.
Other key findings from the 2023 EIR include:
• International automakers, dealers, and suppliers have generated 31,937 jobs in Mississippi, paying $2.1 billion in total employee compensation.
• International automakers invested $5.2 billion in Mississippi’s auto industry.
• International automakers in Mississippi produced 378,764 vehicles, accounting for 100% of production in the state.
“Nissan has proudly called the U.S. home for 40 years, investing more than $14 billion in our manufacturing operations,” said David Johnson, Senior Vice President, Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management, Nissan North America. “We currently employ more than 15,000 hardworking men and women who build some of the most high-quality vehicles on the road today. As we prepare for a more electrified future, we are committed to investing in cutting-edge manufacturing technology, upskilling our workforce, and continuing to put great vehicles in the hands of customers.”
Workers and executives from BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo met with over 60 offices on Capitol Hill to discuss international automakers’ community impact, investments in their production facilities, and how they are preparing both today’s workers and the future workforce for the evolving challenges and opportunities facing the automotive manufacturing industry.
“The Drive-In gave members of Congress a chance to hear first-hand from constituents about how our members in Mississippi are investing in their workforce and communities,” added Safavian. “International automakers are providing American jobs to American workers, investing heavily in the future workforce, and providing quality careers with opportunities for growth.”
