State’s Auto Industry to be Featured at NAIAS

The NAIAS is one of the world's largest automotive trade shows.

Indiana’s automotive industry ranks second in the nation by gross domestic product. This week, Indiana Secretary of Commerce Victor Smith and the Indiana Economic Development Corp. will spotlight the state at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Smith will share Indiana’s story Wednesday as he speaks with industry leaders, elected officials and executives from the country’s top automotive companies. Smith will explain why Indiana is a state that works for businesses and the automotive industry.

"Home to the iconic Indianapolis 500, Indiana has a rich history of auto racing and automotive innovation," said Smith. "That legacy has played an integral role in shaping today’s Hoosier economy and has led to a booming automotive industry in Indiana, which today contributes more than $15 billion to our economy each year. And with our work to build a business friendly climate, this legacy of success will advance as companies like Allison Transmission, Chrysler, Faurecia, General Motors, Honda, NTN Driveshaft, Subaru and Toyota continue to choose Indiana for growth."

The IEDC says Indiana is home to over 500 automotive companies, including five original equipment manufacturer assembly plants, and ranks third in the nation for car and truck production. Over 5.1 million vehicles have been produced in Indiana since 2010. The IEDC has announced more than $7 billion in investments in the last five years for the state’s transportation equipment manufacturing industry.

NAIAS is one of the largest automotive trade shows in the world, with more than 35,000 industry professionals and analysts from 2,000 companies around the world expected to attend.