New Tri-State Manufacturing Partnership Formed to Grow Automotive Industry
By: Dale Hines
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News
August 30, 2025
MOBILE Ala. Three states have joined together to combine their efforts and to work collaboratively on attracting and maintaining automotive and battery manufacturing.
Georgia and Mississippi, and Alabama already make up one of the fastest growing areas in the country for auto assembly plants, and manufacturing related to the auto industry.
The new partnership brings together the University of Alabama, the University of Georgia, and Mississippi State University with the backing of governors from all three states, as well as Southern Company, Alabama Power, Georgia Power and Mississippi Power.
On Wednesday, state leaders announced the Mississippi-Alabama-Georgia Network for Evolving Transportation: MAGNET
The new tri-state economic development initiative will be headquartered at The University of Alabama.
“In 2023, our three states collectively built 1.9 million cars – further establishing us as national leaders in auto manufacturing,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “With virtually every auto manufacturer across the globe actively electrifying their fleets, we must position ourselves at the forefront of this transformation.”
This week, a memorandum of understanding formalizing the alliance was signed by the three governors, the CEOs of Southern Company and its state utilities, and the presidents of UA, UGA and MSU.
“Auto manufacturing plays an important role in Alabama’s economy and throughout the Southeast,” said Alabama Power Chairman, President, and CEO Jeff Peoples.
“Across the Southern Company system, we are proud to support efforts that advance electric vehicle technology. Working together, we will help drive growth for decades to come.”
MAGNET is also among 29 semifinalists in the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines competition, making it a candidate for significant federal investment.
Alabama’s manufacturing base, including Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Hyundai and Mazda-Toyota, is supplying vehicles and parts worldwide.
Motor vehicles rank as Alabama’s No. 1 export category. Exports of Alabama-made automobiles totaled $11.2 billion in 2023, earning Alabama the No. 1 ranking among the states for vehicle exports.
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