Alabama auto industry smashes record, produces over 1 million vehicles in 2015

Alabama’s three global automakers combined to produce more than 1 million vehicles in 2015, the first time the state’s annual output has reached that big-league milestone.

Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Hyundai produced a total of at least 1,033,095 vehicles last year, according to the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, a key player in the growth of the industry of the state. The total is up slightly from 2014, when the trio’s production tally fell just shy of 995,000.

“Since Mercedes invested in Alabama over 20 years ago, Alabama has been successful at producing automobiles, with 2015 being our best year yet,” Governor Robert Bentley said. “Automotive manufacturing is an important industry in Alabama, and creates thousands of jobs for Alabamians. I am confident that 2016 will be an even better year as automobile manufacturers proudly produce vehicles ‘Made in Alabama’ and sell them around the world.”

Crossing the 1 million mark in annual production represents another reminder that Alabama’s auto industry has become a force in the industry.

“It’s a great achievement on the part of the automakers, their suppliers and the Alabama workers who build quality products throughout the year,” EDPA Executive Vice President Steve Sewell said.

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