The November election shone a spotlight on the future of American jobs and manufacturing, with President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Vance emerging as vocal advocates for policies that strengthen domestic manufacturing and create more American jobs. As the incoming administration works to implement its agenda, the international automotive industry stands poised to lead the U.S. auto industry into a new era of American manufacturing.
Across the country, international automakers employ over 156,000 Americans, including nearly 103,000 in manufacturing roles. These men and women are building millions of vehicles on U.S. soil each year, contributing directly to their communities’ economic well-being.
This deep commitment to American manufacturing is evidenced by the fact that, for the second consecutive year, international automakers are on track to outpace the Detroit Three in U.S. vehicle production. In 2023 alone, Autos Drive America member companies built 4.9 million vehicles in the U.S., with 762,000 of them exported to more than 130 countries, generating $24 billion in export revenue. Their impact extends beyond production numbers; they’re embedded in communities, creating good-paying jobs, spurring local economies, and leading the charge in innovation and sustainability.
Beyond the sheer numbers, international automakers are on the forefront of innovation. Their 76 research and development facilities scattered throughout the country are envisioning and producing the next generation of vehicles that will be built right here in America. The first Trump administration helped spur much of this innovation through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and the renegotiated trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada (USMCA) enabled international automakers to make new investments in the U.S.
Over the past two decades, international automakers have invested $109 billion in their U.S. operations, including in 31 manufacturing facilities and six new vehicle and battery production sites coming online in the next five years. The incoming Trump administration and the new Congress have an enormous opportunity to build on this momentum by creating policies that continue to encourage investment, innovation, and job growth in the auto sector. Supporting initiatives that promote manufacturing competitiveness, technology development, and workforce training will benefit all American auto workers.
And international automakers will do their part to ensure this growth is met with the best workforce in the world. Our members are already boosting training programs and partnerships with local colleges and universities for brand-new high-tech jobs, and they’re upskilling their own workforces. Workforce training and apprenticeship programs ensure American workers remain at the cutting edge of automotive manufacturing and innovation. These programs provide pathways to good-paying careers and contribute to a highly skilled and adaptable workforce capable of meeting the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry.
As we look ahead, it’s vital to recognize the profound impact of international automakers on the U.S. economy and their unwavering commitment to building the future of mobility right here at home. By championing policies that foster investment and support American workers, we can drive forward a thriving, innovative, and inclusive automotive industry that benefits everyone.
