Despite the presence of 100+ automotive suppliers, including industry leaders like Robert Bosch, the Charleston region’s reputation in the automotive sector has been relatively under the radar – until the past year. Charleston is cementing its place in the increasingly dynamic automotive industry in the Southeast US with the addition of manufacturing plants for Mercedes-Benz Vans and Volvo over the next few years.

With the presence of major OEMs in the region, the Charleston Regional Development Alliance is focusing on the long-term opportunities for growing the local automotive supply chain. The CRDA Business Development team and its partners and allies are regularly working together to identify and pursue automotive companies to bring additional advanced manufacturing and services to the Charleston region.

For example:

• In September, David Ginn, CRDA President & CEO, attended IAA, the premier automotive manufacturing show in the world, in Frankfurt, Germany. While there, he and our state Department of Commerce colleagues met with an array of automotive companies interested in the South Carolina and Charleston markets.
• In November, Mike Graney and I traveled to Germany and met with five automotive suppliers looking at opportunities in Charleston and the broader Southeast US. We have already welcomed one company on a visit to the region, and we look forward to more in the near future.
• In February 2016, members of our team will attend the South Carolina Auto Summit in Greenville, SC. The summit will bring companies from across the automotive industry to South Carolina to discuss the industry and opportunities across the state, including in Charleston.

Companies across the world are evaluating growth options in the U.S., and executives are consistently impressed with potential opportunities in Charleston. From the investment in real estate options by local developers that align with just-in-time and just-in-sequence logistics to the growing emphasis on STEM by our local high schools and technical college, Charleston | SC | USA is continuing to prove that it’s a good place for automotive companies to do business.

Contact Us:
Phone: 843.767.9300
Email: [email protected]