Automotive Success

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Watch the CBS Feature: South Carolina creates tech jobs with "SmartState" on YouTube
A South Carolina initiative called "SmartState" is funding high-tech programs at public universities to create technology hubs that they hope will attract new industries and create jobs. And, as Anna Werner reports, so far, it's working.

Upstate SC Highlights: BMW, CU-ICAR and Proterra 




National Geographic Feature: Ultimate Factories
Upstate SC Highlights: BMW Manufacturing facility 



BMW is just one of the many success stories of Upstate South Carolina. Its 1,150-acre, 4 million square foot campus employes over 7,000 people to produce the X3 and X5 Sports Activity Vehicle and the X6 Sports Activity Coupe.

Recent Automotive Announcements

Company	Product	Type	Jobs	Investment
Draexlmaeir Automotive	Interiors	Expansion	150	22,350,000
BMW Manufacturing (2)	Automobiles	Expansion	1,100	0
ZF Group	Transmissions	New	900	350,000,000
Cooper Standard Automotive	Automotive systems & components	Expansion	60	7,000,000
US Engine Valve	Valves for fuel economy	Expansion	10	18,000,000
ASTRA/CFX	Tire & wheel assembly	New	100	9,000,000
CT&T	Electric vehicles	New	370	21,000,000
Sage Automotive (2)	Automotive fabric	New	130	21,000,000
Magna / Drive Automotive	Body panels & assembly	Expansion	0	5,000,000
Proterra	Advanced battery commercial vehicles	New	1,300	68,000,000

Recent Automotive News

BMW hiring again, adding health center

August 2011

BMW Manufacturing today announced a threefold investment in its Spartanburg County plant that includes more hiring, increased workforce training and the development of an on-site health clinic for employees, retirees and their eligible dependents.

The automaker will hire 100 people, including engineers, IT professionals and production managers.

Read more on BMW and Upstate SC at GSA Business.

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Michelin introduces two new tires

July 2011

Michelin Americas Truck Tires introduced two new tires for on- and off-road applications.

The Michelin X Works XDY new commercial truck tire is designed for traction and wear  in on- and off-road applications. the Michelin XDY-EX2 tire is a drive axle tire for extreme operating conditions, such as logging, oil fields and mining.

Headquartered in Greenville, Michelin North America employs more than 21,4000 and operates 18 major manufacturing plants in 16 locations.

Read more on Michelin and Upstate SC at GSA Business.

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Daimler, Bosch join forces on electric vehicle traction motors

July 2011

Two German-based companies with locations in South Carolina have signed agreements for a 50-50 joint venture to produce electric motors.

Daimler AG and Robert Bosch GmbH are establishing a new company, EM-motive GmbH, to develop and produce traction motors for electric vehicles. Daimler has a Sprinter van assembly plant in North Charleston, and Bosch has manufacturing sites in North Charleston and Anderson.

The companies said they intend to accelerate the development of traction motors for electric vehicles powered by battery, fuel cell or range extender. Production of motors is expected to begin in early 2012.

Read more on  Electric Vehicles and Upstate SC at GSA Business

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International Electric Vehicle Conference comes to CU-ICAR

July 2011

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, IEEE, will have a first-of-a-kind conference at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research in Greenville.

More than 1,000 people are expected to attend the conference March 4 to 8, 2012. IEEE chose Greenville over Austin, Texas; Detroit; San Francisco; and Washington D.C. for its 2012 International Electric Vehicle Conference.

The conference will address key trends in technology, engineering and deployment of electric vehicles and related infrastructure solutions. Manufacturers, vehicle component and infrastructure suppliers, utilities, telecommunications providers, corporate executives, educators, legislators and venture capitalists will be presenters.

Read more on  Electric Vehicles and Upstate SC at GSA Business

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Draexlmaier Automotive expands in Upstate SC

June 2011

Draexlmaier Automotive of America LLC will expand its current facility in Spartanburg County. The $22 million investment is expected to generate 150 new jobs over the next 5 years.

"This investment will allow Draexlmaier to grow and remain competitive," siad Stefan Bude, CFO of Draexlmaier Group, North America region. "It also shows our commitment to the Upstate and South Carolina as a long-term production site."

Read more on Draexlmaier and Upstate SC at GSA Business

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Michelin donates high-tech equipment to CU-ICAR

February 2011

Michelin NA, which has headquarters, research and production facilities in the Upstate, has donated a $200,000 oscilloscope to the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research to advance research to improve the safety of electronic communications systems in vehicles.

"Michelin is proud of the work taking place at the Edouard Michelin Research Laboratory. This equipment provides the world-class research teams at CU-ICAR with yet another resource for helping further the innovations and advancements that Michelin remains committed to providing the driving public every day, around the world," said George O'Brien, Michelin's global coordinator of project managers for research and development."

The Edouard Michelin Research Laboratory is a complement to the Michelin Endowed Chair in Vehicle Electronic Systems Integration at CU-ICAR.

Read more on Michelin and Upstate SC at GSA Business.

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Staubli Corp donates robot to CU-ICAR

February 2011

Stäubli Corporation, a mechatronics-solution provider with its North American headquarters in Duncan, has donated a robot to Clemson University's International Center for Automotive Research. The robot, valued at $45,000, will give students in the University's automotive engineering program hands-on experience in robotic manufacturing.

"Stäubli Corporation considers CU-ICAR an innovative program that will address and strengthen technologies for the future,” said Joe Gemma, Stäubli Robotics Division manager. “The program has highly qualified and educated individuals who will utilize tools available to them to mold tomorrow’s technology leaders. Stäubli is proud to provide our state-of-the-art robots for these endeavors and other collaboration activities to reinforce our relationship between our organizations and solidify the ongoing commitment to advancing technologies."

Read more on Stäubli Corp and Upstate SC at GSA Business.

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ZF Group recruiting suppliers for S.C. facility

February 2011

ZF Group's $350 million transmission plant under construction in Laurens County represents the largest investment the German auto supplier has ever made outside its home country. The company, which  operates 123 productions facilities in 27 countries, will employ around 900 and produce 650,000 transmissions each year at the Laurens facility. Additionally the company would like to have suppliers close by.

Read more on ZF Group and Upstate SC at GSA Business.

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Study: Auto sector the key to S.C. job growth

January 2011

A study released by the South Carolina Automotive Council showed that roughly 5.4% of jobs and 10% of economic output in South Carolina can be linked to the automotive industry.

According to the report, the sector supports nearly 85,000 full-time jobs, directly and indirectly which doesn't include figures from companies like ZF Group, CT&T Electric Vehicles, Proterra or American Titanium, all of which have announced plans to locate and hire workers in South Carolina but have not yet done so.

Full Content of "The Economic Impact of South Carolina's Automotive Cluster"

Dr. Doug Woodward's presentation on "The Economic Impact of South Carolina's Automotive Cluster"

Read more on the Automotive Impact on SC at GSA Business.