Automotive
Project Announcements
Slate Auto Expands Troy, Michigan, Headquarters Operations
Clarios Expands St. Joseph, Missouri, Operations
LEV Manufacturing Plans Putnam County, Tennessee, Assembly-Logistics Operations
GMB USA Plans Opelika, Alabama, Production Operations
Dakota Bodies Expands Liberty, Missouri, Operations
Mercedes-Benz Expands Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, Production Operations
AXN Automotive Systems Relocates-Expands Louisville, Kentucky, Operations
South Korea-Based Hyundai Translead Plans Will County, Illinois, Manufacturing Operations
France-Based Valeo Plans McAllen, Texas, Manufacturing Operations
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky Expands Georgetown, Kentucky, EV Vehicle Production Operations
Autokiniton Expands Bellevue, Ohio, Manufacturing Operations
BorgWarner Plans Hendersonville, North Carolina, Manufacturing Operations
Japan-Based Newman Technology Expands Mansfield, Ohio, Operations
Minth Group Limited Plans Gadsden, Alabama, Manufacturing Operations
Recent Features
The Impact of the November Election on the Auto Industry: Navigating a Revolutionary Transition
Continuation or expansion of current mandates and incentives would accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, while a rollback might provide temporary relief for ICE manufacturers but hinder long-term progress towards cleaner technologies.
The Cost of Labor and Workforce Skills Necessary for the Transition to an Electrified Auto Industry
Why executives must prioritize workforce skills for the electric vehicle transition.
The Challenge of Securing Sufficient Electrical Power for Battery Cell Plants
Power generators and grid operators are investing more capital than originally forecasted, disrupting the supply chain with spiking equipment prices and extended delivery times. Revised forecasts show a significant increase in capital expenditures, causing delays and cancellations.
Electric Vehicles: Funding Infrastructure to Achieve 50% by 2030
Achieving the Biden administration's ambitious EV goals requires innovative solutions, strategic partnerships, and significant investments in both charging stations and electrical grid enhancements.
Can the UAW Make Substantial Inroads in the Southern States?
Southern states' preference for right-to-work laws and their culture of self-reliance contribute to a deep-rooted resistance to unionization. Many workers do not share the UAW’s political agenda.
Foreign Direct Investment in Canada – Grace Under Pressure
Foreign Direct Investment in Canada faces new challenges and opportunities as the country navigates economic shifts and evolving investment strategies in key sectors like electric vehicles, clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
America’s New Tech Hubs Are Calling for Manufacturers
One of the main questions facing the new program is about funding. Can $500 million help change the backbone of American manufacturing?
Why the Southeast Is Winning EV Projects, With More on the Way
Proximity to existing automotive OEMs and suppliers already located in the southeastern U.S. is just one of the factors drawing new EV projects to the region.
Critical Considerations for Siting an EV Manufacturing Project
The location process for EV and battery projects must take into account proximity to supply chains and markets, availability of skilled labor, ample power and water supplies, financial and other incentives, as well as cooperation between community stakeholders.
R&D in the EV/Battery Industry Powers New Technologies
Makers of EVs and the batteries that power them are receiving incentives for their R&D efforts as the technology continues to evolve.
Tackling EV Charging Hurdles Together
Property-level Infrastructure planning will bring owners and tenants together to meet their green goals.
EV Impacts to Watch in 2023 and 2024
The long-term impact of the shift to EVs — including challenges sourcing battery materials and the increased demand on utility capacity — will be far-reaching.
Last Word: A Second Wave of EV Investment
The rapid transition of the auto industry from internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEs) to electric vehicles (EVs) has set off a rush of new investment in new EV assembly plants and battery cell plants.
Building the Nation’s EV Charging Infrastructure
Public-private partnerships can help states and cities expand their electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Top-Four Location Considerations for EV Battery Plants
Prioritizing needs, identifying unique site constraints, and getting the right people involved from the get-go will ensure the long-term success of your operation.
Fleet Electrification-Another Big Disrupter
There’s a lot to consider when a company decides to electrify its fleet, including available charging infrastructure and employee training, but the move can reduce costs and help to satisfy ESG goals.
Expanding the EV Battery Pipeline
The need to produce EV batteries is presenting opportunities in lithium battery recycling facility expansions.
Amid Rebound, U.S. Regains Position as World Leader in FDI
Traditional and rapidly emerging industries alike are choosing the U.S. for its stable and innovative market, skilled workforce, and favorable tax and regulatory climate.
Location Factors in the EV Industry — “Mission Critical” or “Nice to Have”?
Understanding the impact of both quantitative and qualitative factors is critically important to the operational efficiency and long-term success of your EV-related project.
EVs to Bring About a Dramatic Transformation of the Automotive Supply Chain
Electric Vehicles are here…but how ready is the supply chain?
EV Revolution Creates Massive Need for New Auto Production Facilities
Automakers are vying to rule the industry’s EV era — and they need factories to do it!
To Cluster or Not to Cluster…That is the Question!
Although clusters are here to stay in some sectors — think life sciences — other industries — among them EVs and semiconductors — are geographically branching out.
Editor's Note: The Year Site Selection Grew Up
Energy availability takes center stage as companies compete for grid capacity and rethink growth strategies
Contributed Content
Kinetic Energy Attracting Investments Throughout Kansas
Kansas has earned its global reputation as a force in the renewable energy industry.
Contributed Content
Business Momentum Continues to Soar in Mississippi
Mississippi scores AWS and EV battery joint venture, highlighting its pro-business environment and abundant advantages.
Contributed Content
Home Sweet Home: Mississippi’s Business Climate Makes It Hard to Leave
Its network of transportation options, low tax rates, workforce pipeline, and government support are among the reasons companies in the aerospace, auto, and other sectors choose to expand in Mississippi.
First Person: Establishing a Robust Rare Earth Magnet Supply Chain
Rare earth magnets are critical to keeping America’s economy strong and protecting our way of life. With this in mind, Area Development’s staff editor Lisa Bastian asked Tom Schneberger, CEO of USA Rare Earth, to share his perspective on this issue.
Charging Up the Electric Vehicle and Battery Sector
More than half a dozen of this year’s Project of the Year awards are related to EVs or the batteries that will power them.
Contributed Content
Tennessee Is a Leader for Electric Vehicle Production in the U.S.
Since 2013, Tennessee’s thriving EV industry continues to make headlines with announcements of multimillion-dollar investments by EV manufacturers and suppliers.
Contributed Content
The Global Epicenter of Mobility
In the Detroit Region, the mobility revolution keeps rolling — and it’s cutting-edge.
Contributed Content
Diversifying the Economy Puts Kansas in Driver’s Seat
As a new era of transportation in America charges up, Kansas’ vision is helping companies electrify the next generation of driving.
Contributed Content
Kentucky’s Business Climate Brings Record Investments
The state’s site development and workforce programs are among the assets attracting companies to Kentucky.
2022 Gold & Silver Shovel Awards Project of the Year: Ford Motor Co. To Turn Out EV Trucks and Batteries in Tennessee
The Blue Oval City development is said to be Tennessee’s biggest investment ever.
2022 Gold & Silver Shovel Awards Project of the Year: Toyota Motor North America, Inc. to Produce EV Batteries in North Carolina
Initially expected to produce batteries for 200,000 EVs annually, future expansions will ramp that up enough to power 1.2 million EVs annually.
2022 Gold & Silver Shovel Awards Project of the Year: Ford/SK Innovation To Make Batteries for EVs in Kentucky
According to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, this is the single largest investment in the history of the state.
2022 Gold & Silver Shovel Awards Project of the Year: EV Startup Canoo Inc. Plans Oklahoma “Mega Microfactory”
Mid-America Industrial Park will be the site of Canoo’s new auto manufacturing facility.
