September 30, 1993 was a turning point in Alabama history. That's the day Mercedes-Benz, against policy, chose this state as the home of its first manufacturing facility in the United States. It was a decision that changed the future of our state in ways no one could have imagined.
Fast forward more than 30 years, to January 2024, and Alabama ranks among the top five auto manufacturing states with five world-class original equipment manufacturers (OEMs): Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, and Mazda. It has been. These manufacturers are major drivers of our economy, but who is driving their success? The answer is the nearly 50,000 Alabamians who work hard in the auto manufacturing sector.
The men and women who work at Alabama's OEM facilities and approximately 150 supporting supplier employers are highly skilled and well paid. Helping create opportunities like this is the main reason I sought public office in the first place. I focus on education, workforce development, and economic development because there is opportunity. Everyone who wants to get a good job in Alabama should be given every benefit the state can offer to get that job, turn it into a career, and use it to support their families.
Let's take a step back and look at Alabama's success in auto manufacturing.
Mercedes-Benz came to Tuscaloosa in the 1990s and brought with it many suppliers. Further on: Honda began producing cars in 2001 with his Lincoln. Hyundai production in Montgomery began in 2005. Toyota began manufacturing engines in Huntsville in 2003, then announced a joint venture with Mazda in 2018 to form Mazda Toyota Manufacturing in Limestone County.
All that investment now equates to an annual production capacity of 1.3 million vehicles. Annual export value is over $9 billion. It produces 15 different cars, SUVs and trucks, including three state-of-the-art all-electric vehicles. Alabama also ranks third in automobile exports and fifth in total automobile production.
Alabama became a national leader in automobile manufacturing, and all of this was accomplished without unionization. In other words, our success is homegrown, the Alabama way.
Unfortunately, the Alabama model for economic success is under attack. The United Auto Workers (UAW), the national autoworkers union, is ramping up its efforts to target nonunion automakers across the country, including those here in Alabama. Don't get me wrong. These are out-of-state special interests, and their special interests do not include Alabama or the men and women who have careers in the auto industry in Alabama.
As Governor, my special concern is the well-being of our great state and each of the 5 million Alabamians who live here, who have the opportunity to succeed here and to raise their families here. you can be proud of. I will always be a strong supporter of hard-working men and women and world-class employers. When Alabamians succeed, our state succeeds.
Alabama has a proud industrial history. Alabama is a leader in innovation and opportunity. Employers want to do business with you because they know they can be successful. And Alabama is a state that has proven it can be a world leader in auto manufacturing.
Alabama reached a turning point in 1993, but we soon saw another turning point when the UAW asked approximately 50,000 Alabamians, “Do you want continued opportunity and success the Alabama way?” You may be faced with a decision. Or do you want out-of-state special interests telling Alabama how to do business?
For me, the choice is clear. I stand by our proven track record of success. That's why I will always be proud to support Alabama's great employers and the best employees in the world. That's why I will continue to make education, workforce development, and economic development my top priorities. Alabamians work harder than anyone and we build the best cars in the world. Don't let the UAW tell you otherwise.
