Automotive

Automotive suppliers play a central role in the Charleston region’s manufacturing strength, with more than 100 automotive OEMs and component manufacturers supporting vehicle assembly, powertrain innovation, and advanced systems production. These companies benefit from close proximity to final assembly operations, reliable infrastructure, and a workforce experienced in precision manufacturing.

• Bosch has been a cornerstone of the region’s automotive supply base for decades, producing critical components such as fuel injectors, braking systems, and EV powertrain components and currently employing 1,800 workers in the region. Beyond manufacturing, Bosch is deeply embedded in the community, partnering with SC FutureMakers to deliver STEM education, apprenticeships, and early talent pathways that strengthen the region’s long-term workforce pipeline.
• Cummins Turbo Technologies adds scale and specialization, focusing exclusively on medium- to heavy-duty Holset® variable-geometry turbocharger technologies for diesel engines. The company employs more than 700 people across the region, including a major operation in North Charleston, and benefits from strong logistics connectivity and access to skilled technicians and engineers.
• In Dorchester County, IFA North America manufactures propshafts for passenger vehicles and light commercial platforms, employing nearly 600 workers. Its location supports just-in-time manufacturing, efficient distribution, and collaboration with nearby OEMs and tier suppliers across the Southeast.

With access to the nation’s 8th largest container port serving 150+ countries and an automotive workforce exceeding 13,000, the Charleston region offers suppliers, remanufacturers, and assemblers in or on a globally connected platform for efficient, long-term growth.

The Charleston region offers purpose-built industrial sites and scalable land positions that make it easy for automotive manufacturers and suppliers to locate, build, and ramp production quickly.

• Camp Hall Industrial Commerce Park in Berkeley County — named the 1 industrial park in the U.S. by Business Facilities in 2025 — is anchored by Volvo Cars, which produces the fully electric EX90 SUV and Polestar 3 on-site. Camp Hall’s master-planned layout, heavy-utility infrastructure, and proximity to supply chains like the Port of Charleston, create an ideal campus for large-scale automotive investment.
• Palmetto Commerce Park in North Charleston delivers single-tenant and build-to-suit options from roughly 105,000 to 300,000 square feet. Mercedes-Benz Vans has operated here since 2006, assembling Sprinter and eSprinter vans for U.S. and Canadian markets. The company invested $60 million in a plant expansion in 2021 to begin production of its next-generation eSprinter.
• Bushy Park Commerce Park in Berkeley County provides more than 1,500 acres of heavy-industrial land designed for large-scale manufacturing and logistics. Located near the Port of Charleston and served by rail, the park supports automotive suppliers, advanced manufacturing operations, and distribution facilities that rely on efficient multimodal connectivity.
• Industrial real estate depth across the region adds flexibility and speed to site decisions: Charleston County currently has about 3.5 million square feet of industrial space available, while Dorchester County offers three publicly owned industrial parks with roughly 4,330 acres under development for industrial use. These options support everything from final assembly to tier-1 and tier-2 supplier footprints, plus distribution and aftermarket services.

Whether you need a turn-key building, a large master-planned campus, or greenfield acreage for phased growth, the Charleston region provides the infrastructure, land, and market access automotive companies require. It’s a hub for vehicle assembly, component manufacturing, and an expanding supplier network built for long-term competitiveness.

Warehousing and distribution operations in the Charleston region are built to support high-volume, time-sensitive supply chains, particularly for automotive manufacturers and suppliers moving goods through global markets. The region’s logistics ecosystem combines modern facilities, experienced operators, and immediate access to port, rail, and interstate infrastructure.

More than 30 warehousing and logistics providers offer services directly through the Port of Charleston, giving companies flexible options for storage, transloading, and value-added distribution. The region is also home to Foreign Trade Zone 21, ranked No. 1 in the nation for exports and No. 8 for imports, and consistently recognized among the top five FTZs in the U.S. for overall economic impact. These advantages help manufacturers manage cash flow, reduce duties, and streamline international operations.

Charleston keeps freight moving with a reliable, well-connected supply chain. Positioned roughly halfway between New York and Miami, the region provides efficient access to the U.S. Southeast’s fastest-growing markets. An integrated network of highways, rail service from CSX and Norfolk Southern, and direct port connectivity ensures smooth inbound and outbound logistics, making Charleston a proven distribution hub for automotive production, parts, and finished vehicles.