Since beginning production in the U.S., international automakers have been an important part of the fabric of American automotive manufacturing. At Autos Drive America, we commission an annual Economic Impact Report to highlight the tremendous contributions international automakers make to their workers, their communities, and the entire nation.
This year’s report marked a pivotal milestone: for the first time, international automakers have surged ahead of Detroit’s automakers in vehicle production, marking a historic shift in the U.S. automotive landscape.
As our member companies are helping to reshape America’s automotive future, it’s clear what has fueled their successes: A commitment to creating jobs that support families and communities across the country; a skilled workforce ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow; and a clear commitment to their U.S. operations through significant investments in their facilities and operations.
Jobs
International automakers are committed to creating high-quality, good-paying jobs that support families and communities nationwide. Our industry is a powerhouse of economic prosperity, supporting more than 2.4 million American careers across diverse roles, ranging from manufacturing and engineering to sales, marketing, and research and development. International automakers directly employ 156,000 American workers—with more than 100,000 employees in manufacturing. We offer competitive wages that exceed the national average manufacturing wage*, ensuring our employees can thrive and contribute to their local economies. By providing clear career pathways and continuous learning opportunities, we enable our workforce to grow and succeed in an evolving industry.
Workforce Development
Our industry’s growth and innovation depend on a skilled and adaptable workforce. That’s why we’re investing in the development of our employees, equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in the automotive industry. Our member companies offer 337 workforce development programs at their facilities and in communities across the country. This includes comprehensive training programs that focus on both technical and soft skills, preparing our workforce for the demands of modern automotive manufacturing and services. Collaborating with universities, community colleges, and technical schools allows us to align our training programs with the latest industry standards and technologies. Our member companies are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, promoting equal opportunities, and ensuring our industry benefits from a wide range of perspectives and talents.
Community Investments
Investing in our communities and infrastructure is critical to maintaining our competitive edge and driving long-term growth. Our member companies are making significant investments that benefit the U.S. auto industry and the broader economy. International automakers have invested $109 billion into their U.S. operations over the past 60 years. Today, they operate 500 facilities across 36 states, and their impact is felt nationwide. In fact, Autos Drive America’s members contributed $328 billion to U.S. gross domestic product in 2023, with nearly $38 billion generated in state and local tax receipts.
International automakers are dedicated to creating good-paying jobs, fostering workforce development, and driving investments that strengthen our communities, industry, and nation. Our most recent Economic Impact Report showcases the strides we’ve made over the past six decades and underscores our leadership in the industry. The data in our report shows that international automakers are leading the way to a bright future for the American automotive industry.
*BLS, Current Employment Statistics, Average hourly earnings of production and nonsupervisory employees, manufacturing, Accessed July 2024.
