Expanding Transatlantic Opportunities in the Southeast
Automotive Tech Days USA returned this year with a compact, high-impact program across South Carolina in Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston. The four-day mission gave Austrian automotive suppliers direct access to one of the fastest-growing mobility regions in the United States and highlighted major opportunities in production, research, and supply chain development.
Greenville: Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing
The program opened in Greenville with an overview from the Upstate SC Alliance, outlining the region’s strategic advantages along the I-85 Industrial Corridor and its strong manufacturing base. Local Austrian company MSG Mechatronic Systems GmbH shared its experiences in entering and expanding in the U.S. market.
A tour of CU-ICAR (Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research) showcased the region’s robust engineering talent pipeline. Participants then visited BMW Plant Spartanburg — the company’s largest global production site and a top U.S. exporter — for an inside look at large-scale automotive manufacturing. The day ended with a networking reception supported by regional partners.
Columbia: Electric Mobility and New Investments
On the second day, the delegation attended a panel discussion on the future of the U.S. automotive industry at DRÄXLMAIER Group, which on workforce transformation and electrification. The group then met with Scout Motors in Columbia, where construction is underway for a $2 billion facility dedicated to all-electric SUVs and pickup trucks. Discussions centered on supplier needs and opportunities for Austrian companies to engage with this new ecosystem.
Charleston: OEM Engagement and Regional Growth
In Charleston, the delegation visited two major OEMs producing current and next-generation vehicle models for the U.S. market. They began the morning at Volvo Cars Charleston, which recently celebrated 10 years of manufacturing in South Carolina. The plant produces both Volvo and Polestar models and plans to introduce a hybrid model by 2030, underscoring their long-term commitment to sustainability. In the afternoon, the group visited Mercedes-Benz Vans in Ladson, home of U.S. production for the iconic Sprinter Van. Both facilities shared insights into procurement priorities, sustainability goals, and evolving supplier requirements. A reception sponsored Alpha PX offered additional opportunities for exchange.
The mission concluded with meetings at Charleston City Hall, the Port of Charleston, the Charleston Regional Development Alliance and Palmetto Railways, underscoring the Lowcountry’s rapid growth and strategic importance to global automotive logistics.
As we close this year’s mission, we extend our sincere thanks to all of our partners, friends, and company representatives who made Automotive Tech Days USA such a success. Reviving this pre-Covid event series and repositioning it in the Southeast demonstrates our commitment to evolving with industry trends and opening new doors for Austrian companies. We’re looking forward to the next edition in 2026!
