INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--More than one of every ten cars produced in the United States are assembled in Indiana, putting the ‘Crossroads of America’ on the map as an automaking powerhouse. But a new industry-led initiative sponsored by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and Conexus Indiana has even higher ambitions – making the Hoosier State the recognized leader in automotive innovation, engineering and manufacturing.
The Indiana Automotive Council (IAC) held its first meeting Wednesday afternoon at the Governor’s Residence in Indianapolis, bringing together a broad cross-section of corporate leaders, university officials and policymakers.
“Indiana has a long tradition of leadership in auto manufacturing,” said Mitch Roob, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “Through the IAC’s initiatives, we will garner input and involvement of industry leaders to ensure that our state continues to offer the most competitive environment for automotive design and production.”
Indiana’s automotive sector consists of more than 600 companies employing 120,000+ Hoosiers, with a collective economic output of nearly $9 billion (in 2009 – ranking second among states). The IAC will focus on strategic issues like building a skilled workforce, tapping into the innovation potential of industry-university-government partnerships, leveraging global connections and advancing pro-growth public policy.
The ultimate goal – making Indiana the global leader in the automotive industry.
“Indiana is a great place to do business, and that is why Cummins continues to have our roots here,” said Tom Linebarger, incoming Chairman and CEO of Cummins Inc. “Many of our customers and suppliers probably agree with us, as they also have operations here. I think the Indiana Automotive Council is a great organization to bring corporations, government and universities together to promote innovation, develop a more skilled workforce, and potentially bring in other companies in the automotive industry. Cummins and other companies that are part of this initiative, along with the state government and universities, will both contribute to this collaboration and benefit from it.”
In 2008, Conexus formed the Indiana Logistics Council, which brought together and solicited industry feedback on a strategic plan dedicated to strengthening the state’s supply chain dominance. Earlier this week, it launched the Indiana Aerospace and Defense Council to develop strategies for growing those sectors. The IAC will similarly explore issues and challenges specific to the automotive industry, utilizing the feedback to better position the state to take advantage of new business opportunities.
The Automotive Council will be executed by Conexus with major funding from the IEDC, and staffed by Project Director Matt Conrad, a partner with Indianapolis-based Krieg DeVault. Courtney Zaugg, formerly Director of International Economic Development with DevelopIndy, will serve as Director of Industry Research for the Council.
“Conexus was created to identify and address the longer-term strategic issues facing manufacturing and logistics in Indiana,” added Conexus President & CEO Steve Dwyer. “We’ve done that by listening and becoming a recognized voice for industry – we’ll serve the same purpose with the IAC.”
Attendees at the first IAC meeting included David Parish – Allison Transmission; Kevin Rahrig – AM General; Brian Harlow – Chrysler; Teresa Voors – Cummins; Jeff Owens – Delphi; Nicholas Kassanos – General Motors; Bob Nelson – Honda Manufacturing of Indiana; John Weber – Remy International; Tom Easterday – Subaru of Indiana; and Susan Elkington – Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Indiana. Indiana Secretary of Commerce Mitch Roob attended with senior staff from the IEDC, along with representatives from Indiana University, Purdue University, IUPUI, Rose-Human Institute of Technology, Trine University and the University of Notre Dame.
“It’s an exciting time to be engaged in Indiana’s auto industry,” noted Owens, President of Delphi Electronics and Safety. “We’ve established ourselves as a leader in vehicle electrification, the state is attracting record levels of foreign investment, and the domestic auto industry is making a significant comeback as well. An initiative like the IAC will help us capitalize on these trends, strengthening Indiana’s economy while making all of our companies more competitive.”
Conexus Indiana is the state’s advanced manufacturing and logistics initiative, dedicated to making Indiana a global leader in high-growth, high-tech industries. Conexus is focused on strategic priorities like workforce development, creating new industry partnerships and promoting Indiana’s competitive advantages. Learn more at www.ConexusIndiana.com.