By Associated Press
Birmingham, AL – Neal Wade, Alabama's chief industrial recruiter, said the state is ready to pursue another automaker if Volkswagen decides to build an assembly plant in the United States.
Volkswagen Chief Executive Stefan Jacoby recently unveiled a new strategy for the German automaker, including increasing sales in North America and ''the possibility of local production to reduce exposure to exchange rates.''
Since German automaker Mercedes picked Vance in 1993 for an auto plant, Alabama has become what some industry watchers called the ''Detroit of the South,'' with Hyundai in Montgomery and Honda in Lincoln, plus Toyota and Navistar engine plants in Huntsville.
Wade says Alabama could handle another major automotive plant, particularly in south Alabama.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)