DETROIT, Mi. – Gov. Jay Nixon was in Detroit Tuesday and Wednesday for the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), promoting the state’s automotive manufacturing rebound.
“Over the past seven years, we’ve made Missouri an automotive powerhouse and a hub of next-generation auto jobs and investment,” said Nixon. “Spurred by historic investments from Ford and GM, Missouri’s automotive industry is back and better than ever – and we’re not done yet. It is always an honor to represent the Show-Me State at America’s premier automotive showcase as we continue to strengthen Missouri’s position as a global leader in auto manufacturing and innovation.”
Missouri is home to the 2015 North American Truck of the Year, the Ford F-150 pickup, which is assembled in Kansas City. Also manufactured at Ford’s largest production plant in the world is America’s best-selling full-size van, the Transit. GM’s plant in Wentzville manufactures Autoweek’s 2015 Best of the Best Truck, the GMC Canyon, and the 2016 Motor Trend Truck of the Year, the Chevrolet Colorado.
While at the conference, the Governor met with companies who’ve expanded into Missouri and explored future growth opportunity.
A recent report by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center found that since 2010, at least 64 automotive plants and parts suppliers have created or retained more than 16,200 jobs and invested a combined $2.26 billion to grow their facilities in Missouri.
This conference is the 6th NAIAS Nixon has attended.
Review Missouri’s automotive comeback tale with the timeline below.
The Governor’s Office has developed an interactive timeline of the Governor’s executive involvement in the automotive industry, which can be seen here.
FEATURED PHOTO/GOV. JAY NIXON – Governor Nixon joined Ford Motor Company in Kansas City to announce 1,200 new jobs, and the strengthening of Missouri’s position as a leader in the auto industry in Sept. 2014.
Rachael Herndon was the editor at The Missouri Times and also produced This Week in Missouri Politics, published Missouri Times Magazine, and co-hosted the #MoLeg podcast. She joined The Missouri Times in 2014, returning to political reporting after working as a campaign and legislative staffer.
Rachael studied at the University of Missouri – Columbia. She lives in Jefferson City with her husband, Brandon, and their two children.
