The U.S. automotive industry remains one of the most dynamic manufacturing sectors in the world. A subset of the wider transportation equipment industry, automotive manufacturers number 5,800 locations nationwide, employing over 800,000 workers. MNI, compiler and publisher of the industrial data that powers IndustrySelect, collected this data directly from U.S. automotive companies, providing a ground-level look of where the industry stands today and where it’s headed. Let’s take a closer look at the top manufacturers, key states and cities, and the subindustries shaping the future of automotive production in the United States.
Key Trends in U.S. Automotive Manufacturing
• Industry growth: Employment in the sector rose 2% in the past year, showing steady recovery and expansion.
• Ownership diversity: About 1% of U.S. auto manufacturers are women-owned and 1% report minority ownership.
• Economic power: Reported total average sales stand at $1.5 trillion across the industry.
• Global reach: 37% of manufacturers distribute internationally, while 16% import raw materials.
• Operational scale: Facilities average 173,951 square feet, underscoring the scale of modern automotive plants.
• Quality certification: About 7.6% of companies hold ISO certifications, reflecting international quality standards.
Top Automotive Manufacturers in the USA
| Company | City | State | Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Motors, Inc. | Fremont | CA | 20,600 |
| Tesla, Inc. | Austin | TX | 20,000 |
| BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC | Greer | SC | 11,200 |
| Ford Motor Co., Kansas City Assembly | Claycomo | MO | 9,468 |
| Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. | Georgetown | KY | 9,400 |
| Ford Motor Co., Kentucky Truck Plt. | Louisville | KY | 9,200 |
| Nissan North America, Inc. | Smyrna | TN | 8,000 |
| Rivian Automotive, LLC | Normal | IL | 8,000 |
| Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, Inc. | Princeton | IN | 7,840 |
| Lippert Components, Inc. | Elkhart | IN | 7,500 |
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About the Top Automotive Manufacturers in the USA
Top Automotive Manufacturers in the U.S.A.
Tesla Motors, Inc. – Fremont, CA
Tesla’s Fremont Factory is the company’s original U.S. production hub and remains the largest auto manufacturing facility in the nation. Employing 22,000 workers across 5.3 million square feet, the plant produced nearly 560,000 vehicles in 2023, including the Models S, 3, X, and Y. Fremont stands as a cornerstone of Tesla’s EV leadership, setting benchmarks for advanced vehicle production.
Tesla, Inc. – Austin, TX
Tesla’s Gigafactory Texas, just outside Austin, has quickly become one of the most important auto facilities in the country. With 22,777 employees, it is not only Tesla’s production powerhouse but also its official headquarters. The factory builds the Model Y and Cybertruck and continues to expand into next-generation EV and battery manufacturing. Today, it is Austin’s largest private employer and a magnet for talent in clean technology.
BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC – Greer, SC
Above: SUV assembly at the BMW Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. Credit: Greer Development Corporation
BMW’s Spartanburg plant in Greer is the automaker’s only U.S. manufacturing facility and a global hub for X-series SUVs. Since opening in 1994, it has assembled more than 6.5 million vehicles and now employs 11,000 workers. The plant is also one of the top U.S. auto exporters by value, underscoring its vital role in BMW’s international supply chain.
Ford Motor Co., Kansas City Assembly – Claycomo, MO
Above: Two workers install the passenger window of the one millionth Ford Transit produced at Kansas City Assembly Plant. (Image source: Ford Media Center)
Opened in 1951, Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant is one of the most productive vehicle plants in the U.S. Employing 9,456 workers, the site produces the F-150 pickup and Transit van across a massive 4.7 million-square-foot complex. With a rich legacy in both commercial and consumer vehicles, this plant remains a core part of Ford’s North American strategy.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. – Georgetown, KY
Toyota’s Georgetown facility is its largest plant worldwide, with 9,400 employees producing the Camry, RAV4 Hybrid, and Lexus ES. Since 1988, the plant has built more than 14 million vehicles, making it a cornerstone of Toyota’s U.S. operations. Beyond its size, the plant’s emphasis on quality and innovation has made it a key contributor to Kentucky’s economy and Toyota’s global success.
Ford Motor Co., Kentucky Truck Plant – Louisville, KY
Louisville’s Kentucky Truck Plant has been a fixture of Ford’s heavy-duty lineup since 1969. Today, the 8,920 employees at this 6-million-square-foot facility build the Super Duty trucks, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator. The plant remains central to Ford’s strategy in the large-vehicle segment, blending decades of experience with continuous modernization.
Nissan North America, Inc. – Smyrna, TN
Nissan’s Smyrna plant is the automaker’s largest U.S. facility, employing 8,400 workers and producing models such as the Rogue, Pathfinder, Murano, and Infiniti QX60. Since opening in 1983, the plant has assembled more than 15 million vehicles and includes an on-site battery plant, making it a leader in both conventional and electrified mobility.
Rivian Automotive, LLC – Normal, IL
Rivian’s plant in Normal, IL, a former Mitsubishi facility, is the heart of its EV production. With 8,000 employees, the factory builds the R1T pickup, R1S SUV, and electric delivery vans. Despite recent restructuring, Rivian continues to ramp up production and prepare for its next-generation R2 SUV, cementing its position as a disruptive force in the U.S. automotive sector.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, Inc. – Princeton, IN
Toyota’s Princeton plant has been in operation since 1996, employing 8,000 workers to build the Highlander, Grand Highlander, and Sienna. Over its history, the facility has produced more than 7 million vehicles and continues to grow with new investments in electrification and workforce development, reinforcing Indiana’s role as an automotive hub.
Lippert Components, Inc. – Elkhart, IN
While not an automaker in the traditional sense, Lippert Components is a dominant supplier in the recreational vehicle and transportation space. Headquartered in Elkhart, the RV capital of the world, Lippert employs 11,700 people and supplies components across RVs, marine, and specialty vehicles. With well-known brands like CURT and Furrion, Lippert plays a central role in shaping the outdoor lifestyle and specialty automotive markets.
Where Are Automotive Manufacturers Located?
- Midwest (39%) – The traditional heart of American auto manufacturing, anchored by Detroit and a strong supplier ecosystem.
- South (34%) – A rapidly growing hub thanks to OEM investments, right-to-work laws, and strong logistics.
- Pacific/Mountain (18%) – Leading in EV and clean-tech automotive innovation.
- East Coast (9%) – Smaller in share, but home to specialized vehicle production.
Which U.S. States Have the Most Automotive Manufacturers?
- Michigan – 599 companies | 10.26%: The historic home of the U.S. auto industry, Michigan still leads in automation, robotics, and advanced R&D.
- California – 461 companies | 7.89%: A center for EVs and sustainable vehicle innovation, driven by forward-looking policies and investment.
- Ohio – 359 companies | 6.15%: Specializes in engines, transmissions, and electrified mobility, supported by a strong manufacturing workforce.
- Texas – 343 companies | 5.87%: Strategic location within the NAFTA auto corridor with expanding EV and testing facilities.
- Indiana – 317 companies | 5.43%: A hub for assembly and parts production, backed by advanced manufacturing infrastructure.
- Illinois – 247 companies | 4.23%: Logistics strength and innovation-friendly business climate make Illinois a parts and supply chain leader.
- Florida – 222 companies | 3.80%: Incentive-rich environment supporting automotive suppliers and specialized producers.
- Pennsylvania – 193 companies | 3.30%: Known for its expertise in commercial and specialty vehicle manufacturing.
- Tennessee – 189 companies | 3.24%: Major OEM hub, supported by a growing network of suppliers and strong logistics.
- North Carolina – 180 companies | 3.08%: Competitive corporate tax rates, seaports, and strong EV-related research programs.
What Are Some Top Cities for Automotive Manufacturing?
- Austin, TX – 21,009 employees: Home to a booming EV sector, fueled by Tesla’s Gigafactory and Austin’s tech-driven ecosystem
- Fremont, CA – 20,600 employees: Tesla’s Fremont Factory makes this city one of the nation’s largest EV production hubs.
- Detroit, MI – 19,288 employees: The Motor City continues to be a cornerstone of U.S. automotive production, especially in R&D and engineering.
- Louisville, KY – 14,615 employees: Known for large-scale truck and SUV assembly, with OEMs and suppliers clustered around efficient logistics routes.
- Elkhart, IN – 11,488 employees: The RV capital of the U.S., specializing in motor homes and related vehicle components.
What Do Automotive Companies Make?
- Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories – 3,931 companies (67%)
- Truck & Bus Bodies – 687 companies (12%)
- Truck Trailers – 662 companies (11%)
- Passenger Cars & Bodies – 500 companies (9%)
- Motor Homes – 60 companies (1%)
This breakdown highlights the massive scale of the parts and components sector, the foundation of the U.S. auto supply chain.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Automotive Manufacturing
From Detroit’s legacy OEMs to Austin and Fremont’s EV leaders, U.S. automotive manufacturing is transforming rapidly. Electrification, automation, and supply chain shifts are reshaping the sector. While states like Michigan and Indiana continue to lead, growth markets in the South and West are gaining traction—especially in electric vehicles, advanced mobility, and RV production.
With 5,800+ companies generating $1.5 trillion in sales annually, the U.S. automotive industry is both an economic powerhouse and a laboratory for future transportation.
How Can You Contact Automotive Manufacturers?
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About This Data
The insights in this report are based on verified data collected by MNI, publisher of the industrial information that powers IndustrySelect and IndustryNet. MNI researchers contact every company in the database directly to confirm operational details, employment figures, and facility data, ensuring unmatched accuracy and depth.