Autos Drive America Hosts First-Ever Congressional Drive-In

 Nearly 100 workers from 15 states visit Capitol Hill to showcase the tremendous impact international automakers are making in communities across the U.S.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Autos Drive America today is hosting its 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,” highlights the tremendous investments that international automakers make in their workforce as well as in their communities across 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 are thrilled to host workers from around the country for our inaugural Congressional Drive-In, where they will have a chance to speak with lawmakers about the incredible impact international automakers are making in their communities,” 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, communities across the U.S. are feeling the benefits of international automakers through career opportunities that help strengthen America’s middle class.”

Workers and executives from BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo are meeting 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.

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.

The report shows that last year, international automakers:

• Contributed $37.5 billion in tax revenue to state and local governments
• Produced 4.4 million vehicles, accounting for 45% of all U.S. light vehicle production
• Exported 695,000 U.S.-built vehicles to more than 130 countries and territories
• Committed $22.5 billion in electrification investments since 2020

“The Drive-In gives members of Congress a chance to hear first-hand from constituents about how our members 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.”