Ever wonder what happens when three states, top universities, and industry giants join forces? A new powerhouse initiative in the Southeast is set to supercharge automotive and battery manufacturing, promising unprecedented economic growth and countless job opportunities. Could this be the blueprint for future regional collaboration?
In a landmark demonstration of regional collaboration, a powerful Tri-State Partnership has emerged in the Southeastern United States, poised to dramatically reshape the landscape of Automotive Manufacturing and Battery Technology. Dubbed the Mississippi-Alabama-Georgia Network for Evolving Transportation, or MAGNET, this ambitious initiative represents a concerted effort by key leaders from government, industry, and education to stimulate Regional Economic Development and robust Workforce Development across the three states.
The formation of MAGNET was officially solidified through a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding, uniting the governors of Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi with the chief executives of major power companies—Southern Company, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, and Mississippi Power—alongside the presidents of The University of Alabama, the University of Georgia, and Mississippi State University. This diverse coalition underscores a shared commitment to harnessing the region’s burgeoning capabilities in advanced manufacturing.
Central to MAGNET’s mission is the establishment of a premier research and development hub, strategically headquartered at The University of Alabama. This hub will serve as a nexus for research-enabled mobility innovation, designed to drive both economic prosperity and cultivate a highly skilled workforce. Partnering institutions, the University of Georgia and Mississippi State University, bring critical, complementary expertise spanning various facets of the modern automotive industry and emerging technological advancements.
The Southeast is currently experiencing an unprecedented boom in advanced Automotive Manufacturing, positioning the United States at a critical juncture to seize global leadership in this vital industry over the coming decade. MAGNET, recognized as a semifinalist in a significant national program, integrates the substantial resources, insights, and specialized expertise of its governmental, academic, and business partners. This synergistic approach aims to construct a comprehensive ecosystem that promises far-reaching positive impacts on American prosperity, health, and national security.
Echoing the strategic imperative, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey emphasized the region’s formidable production capacity, stating, “In 2023, our three states collectively built 1.9 million cars – further establishing us as national leaders in auto manufacturing.” She highlighted the urgent need to position the Southeast at the vanguard of the global shift towards the electrification of vehicle fleets, a core focus of the Electric Vehicle Industry.
Further reinforcing the economic significance, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp underscored the profound impact of the auto manufacturing sector on the state’s economy and its role in creating thousands of valuable careers. Governor Kemp articulated the necessity for the region to adapt and proactively address both the opportunities and challenges presented by this evolving industry, affirming that the Tri-State Partnership will be instrumental in maintaining the region’s standing as a prime location for automobile production.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves articulated a vision for attracting substantial investments into electric vehicle manufacturing. He noted, “Companies across the world are investing billions of dollars into their electric fleets, and we need to be able to make the case that those vehicles should be built here.” Governor Reeves believes that by unifying the collective resources and assets of the three states, the partnership will propel them to the forefront nationally in Electric Vehicle Industry innovation.
The academic leadership also voiced strong support. UA President Peter J. Mohler hailed MAGNET as a “game-changing opportunity” for regional leadership in vehicle and Battery Technology manufacturing. University of Georgia President Jere W. Morehead highlighted UGA’s e-mobility initiative and its commitment to economic and Workforce Development. Mississippi State University President Mark E. Keenum proudly pointed to MSU’s national leadership in mobility systems research and its collaborative culture, expressing honor in joining the MAGNET team.
Jeff Peoples, Alabama Power Chairman, President, and CEO, affirmed the critical role of Automotive Manufacturing in the regional economy and Southern Company’s dedication to advancing electric vehicle technology. Ultimately, MAGNET’s comprehensive strategy is designed to organize the region’s extensive capabilities into a single, coordinated effort. This will ensure that the transportation revolution benefits from a robust infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, and a dynamic innovation pipeline, ultimately supporting accelerated U.S. transportation technology and the crucial onshoring of key advanced auto manufacturing capabilities.
