Last year was a record year for Alabama’s automotive industry.
Alabama Department of Commerce officials say exports of Alabama-made automobiles jumped 13 percent last year, climbing to $7.9 billion dollars. Total sales of state-made cars are estimated at around $20 billion.
Alabama-built cars were reportedly shipped to 86 countries last year. Germany was the largest export market, with more than $2.4 billion in shipments to there alone. Next on the list were China, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and India.
Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield says demand is climbing around the world for vehicles produced by the skilled hands of Alabama's auto workers.
Automaker Honda accounted for exports from Alabama to 45 countries, with more than a billion dollars in export sales.
Top markets for Honda's Alabama-made vehicles are Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, South Korea and the Middle East.