Automotive Manufacturing

South Carolina: Driving the auto industry

In the automotive industry, South Carolina has announced $7.7 billion in capital investment and 17,600 jobs since 2011 — numbers that have nearly quadrupled in two decades. Home to more than 250 automotive-related companies, the state has attracted worldwide brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Volvo, Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental and Giti Tire to the region.

Located midway between New York and Miami, South Carolina is conveniently situated within 1,000 miles of 67 percent of the U.S. population. South Carolina boasts four primary commercial airports and two Class I railroads, along with several short-line systems, the world-class Port of Charleston and a dedicated break-bulk and bulk port facility in Georgetown.

In addition to its low cost of living and rapid growth, South Carolina has many attractive qualities:

• Number one in exports of tires and passenger automobiles
• Ranks second in exporting to Germany
• Third in the nation for foreign direct investment on the 2014 State New Economy Index
• 10th fastest growing labor force nationwide