International automakers are intertwined in the fabric of American auto manufacturing and American communities.
Our members provide meaningful career paths that create wealth, security, and opportunities for American families in all 50 states.
Employees are afforded competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, skills training, and growth opportunities, from the shop floor to facility management. And these opportunities are driven forward by international automakers’ investments in upskilling and reskilling through workforce development programs.
There’s a reason international automakers have high employee retention rates- our careers aren’t static. They’re dynamic journeys based on every individual’s unique contributions, potential, and ambition. What we offer allows families to achieve their own American Dream.
International automakers are investing in US.
$191B
$191 billion in total employee compensation annually.
36
36 states with workforce development programs.
300
More than 300 workforce development programs offered by international automakers and partners.
2.4M
2.4 million direct and indirect U.S. jobs generated by international automakers.
156K
156,000 direct employees.
102.6K
102,600 modern manufacturing jobs.
International automakers build more than cars, they build communities.
Featured Stories
Kia Georgia Begins Assembly of the 2025 Kia EV9 All-Electric SUV
July marked a historic milestone at Kia Georgia’s assembly plant in West Point as team members gathered to celebrate the start of assembly of the all-electric 2025 EV9 three-row SUV, the first saleable electric vehicle assembled in the state of Georgia. The vehicle was introduced by SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, President and CEO for Kia North America and Kia America, then driven off the assembly line by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and James Watson, Kia Georgia’s Vice President of Production.
“Marty and I were privileged to be part of this monumental accomplishment by the Kia Georgia team,” said Governor Kemp. “This expansion of Kia’s operations in our state and the addition of this incredible new product line to the vehicles already being built in West Point is just the latest example of what comes from state and local partners working with this valued job creator. I want to congratulate the Kia Georgia team members on today’s achievement and thank them for choosing the Peach State yet again as we work to become the e-mobility capital of the nation.”
The EV9 joins the award-winning and increasingly popular lineup of SUVs currently being assembled on Kia Georgia’s assembly line: Telluride, Sorento and Sportage. This is the culmination of a more than $200 million expansion that has added approximately 200 new jobs at the plant and the flexibility to assemble both EVs and the company’s traditional products along the same assembly line.
Mercedes-Benz Vans USA & Goodr Founder Jasmine Crowe-Houston Partner to Promote Sustainability & Hunger Relief Nationwide
Mercedes-Benz Vans USA partnered with Goodr, an innovative organization dedicated to waste management and hunger solutions, and appointed Jasmine Crowe-Houston, Goodr Founder and CEO, as the first brand ambassador for the all-new eSprinter. Goodr was presented with the first refrigerated eSprinter Cargo Van by Mercedes-Benz in North America, with a custom upfit by Thermo King of Charleston refrigeration. This collaboration marks a significant step in promoting sustainability and hunger relief initiatives nationwide.
Founded in 2017, Goodr leverages innovative technology and a massive partner network to rescue surplus food and deliver quality meals to underserved communities. Last year, through its Surplus Food Recovery solution, Goodr diverted more than 1.3 million pounds of waste from landfills and prevented 714,759 pounds of carbon emissions. This collaboration with MBUSA not only helps Goodr continue to work toward combatting food waste and addressing food insecurity nationwide, but it also reduces greenhouse gas emissions for Goodr’s charitable partners.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Mercedes-Benz Vans USA to showcase the eSprinter, propel electric mobility and continue to bring much-needed food supply to those in need. Addressing food waste and hunger in our country is critical, and we’re taking a unique approach to expanding our impact by working with Mercedes-Benz. This vehicle aligns perfectly with our mission to serve communities efficiently and sustainably.” Jasmine Crowe-Houston, Founder and CEO of Goodr
Innovative Childcare Solutions at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing knows that to get people to come to work and to make the decision to do that, they need support. Childcare consistently presents itself as a challenge that doesn’t have easy solutions on both sides of the equation. Together, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing and TOOTRiS are providing employees with a solution that allows women and single parents to reenter the workforce.
Watch here to learn more about the partnership between MTM and TOOTRiS.
Volkswagen & Morgan State University celebrate first year of The Driving Force Internship Program
Volkswagen Group of America is unified by a shared mission and commitment to putting their expertise, innovation and vision to work for the greater good. The company proudly announced the expansion of The Driving Force internship program to the Volkswagen brand at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland in May.
This unique internship program was first formulated in 2020 by the Black Automotive Media Group (BAMG) to expose students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to career opportunities within the automobile industry. Dubbed The Driving Force (TDF), the 10-week internship is comprised of training and mentoring sessions that educate students on career opportunities within the automotive industry, including marketing, multimedia, PR, content creation and publishing.
This is the first year Volkswagen Brand has sponsored the program, introducing it to students at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. The inaugural class at Morgan State included 18 students, more than 70 percent of whom were female. Under the Audi brand, Volkswagen Group has offered a TDF program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University since 2020.
“Diversity matters. It matters for the health of a community and it matters in business because it has been proven time and again to contribute to the success of organizations,” said Andrew Savvas, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Volkswagen North American Region. “Business can play a significant role in helping promote diversity and developing diverse leaders who future generations can relate and aspire to.”