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Automobile industry

Ohio Governor Kasich Courts Auto Industry with "Open for Business" Message

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Ohio Governor John Kasich's delegation, including himself, met with auto industry executives at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, signaling the state's enthusiasm for attracting new investments and jobs. The meeting's purpose was to make Ohio a more attractive place for auto manufacturers to expand their operations. The auto industry is crucial to Ohio's economy, and the governor's team aimed to convey a message that the state is willing to make changes to facilitate business growth.

Key Takeaways:

  • Governor Kasich's "open for business" message was conveyed to General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC executives, emphasizing Ohio's willingness to support the auto industry.
  • The meetings were part of Kasich's effort to reach out to an industry vital to Ohio's economy, with the goal of making the state a more attractive place for auto manufacturers.
  • The governor's team discussed regulatory, tax, and job training policies, and the need for a more positive regulatory environment.
  • Chrysler's CEO Sergio Marchionne hinted at an announcement regarding the expansion of the company's Toledo Assembly operations within the next six months.
  • The company plans to continue building Jeep Wranglers in Toledo but may introduce a new "work truck" alongside the Wrangler, pending a 50% chance of approval.
  • Kasich highlighted the state's educated workforce, university research capabilities, and favorable location as key attractions for the auto industry.
  • The governor's mission to Detroit included visits to exhibit stands, including Venturi Vehicles, a niche electric vehicle company, and a test drive in the Chevy Cruze built in Lordstown, Ohio.

Statistics:

  • The auto industry is essential to Ohio's economy, with Chrysler's Toledo Assembly operations employing thousands of workers.
  • The company plans to continue building Jeep Wranglers in Toledo on two shifts and make Jeep Liberty and Dodge Nitro in a neighboring factory on one shift as of 2013.
  • 50% (chance of Jeep-branded "work truck" being built alongside the Wrangler)

Sources:

  • "Led by new Gov. John Kasich, a delegation of top Ohio officials met Wednesday with auto industry executives at the previews of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit." (The Blade, Jan 13)
  • "Mr. Kasich met privately with executives from General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC, which have factories in northwest Ohio." (The Blade, Jan 13)
  • "It was unknown whether Mr. Marchionne met with the governor." (The Blade, Jan 13)
  • "Chrysler has not said what additional vehicles it plans for its two assembly plants in Toledo, beyond the iconic Wrangler and a new Liberty due to arrive by 2013." (The Blade, Jan 13)
  • "Mr. Marchionne said Tuesday that a Jeep-branded "work truck" had a better than 50 percent chance of being built alongside the Wrangler." (The Blade, Jan 13)
  • "The company builds Jeep Wranglers in one set of factories on two shifts and makes the Jeep Liberty and Dodge Nitro in a neighboring factory on one shift." (The Blade, Jan 13)

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