2024 SC Automotive Summit

South Carolina is leading the automotive industry’s evolution, and Charleston is in the driver’s seat.  

As a 100-year-old industry is completely reinventing itself, OEMs and suppliers across the State are repositioning to win big through electrification and tech-fueled autonomous driving options.

Celebrating its 13th year, the SC Automotive Summit is an annual gathering of automotive thought leaders from across South Carolina committed to advancing manufacturing and economic prosperity across the State. With $4.3 Billion in automotive capital investment announced in 2023 alone, the summit was exciting. Presentations covered everything from electrification and related infrastructure, the mind-bending quantum computing power driving autonomous vehicle development, the future of tires, and Mercedes-Benz /Mercedes-Benz Vans’ leadership in quality, electrification, design, and accident-free driving.

Amy Klinkenberger: Mercedes-Benz Vans Research & Development 

Industry leader Mercedes-Benz Vans (MBV) continues to innovate and lead the industry in design, performance, and safety. Amy shared MBV’s bold vision of accident-free driving with their cutting-edge Drive Pilot automated driving technology. With over 40 advanced vehicle safety systems working in unison, MBV proudly became the first automobile manufacturer in the US to achieve a Level 3 certification from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). With the world’s first eSprinter rolling off the production line in North Charleston to rave reviews, buckle up for upcoming technology innovations in the delivery van, service vehicle, and #vanlife worlds.

MBV’s passion and track record for vehicle innovation, safety, and performance, coupled with their commitment to South Carolina and Charleston County, continue to fuel our excitement for the progress of the automotive industry and supply chain development across our beautiful region.

Gary Silberg: KPMG 

Gary took us on a journey of the intersection of massive computing, AI, quantum, and nuclear fusion because the next automotive industry leaders will be technology companies that can leverage AI with quantum computing power. There is no question that automobiles are rapidly transforming into high-powered computers with AI decision-making capabilities for the future of autonomous driving. Companies continue to make massive technology investments to compete in tomorrow’s automotive industry and keep up with one clear industry leader, Tesla. In 2008, the Toyota Corolla was the world’s number-one selling car; just 15 years later, it is now the Tesla Model Y.

Transitioning from fossil fuels to other energy sources, Gary announced that we could see a clean nuclear fusion surface as a permanent solution to global energy demands because of a few “Quantum leaps” in that power-generating technology. Keep a close eye on these two organizations leading clean commercial energy generation: the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Commonwealth Fusion Systems.

Harry Husted: Borg Warner 

BEV sales are accelerating globally, and 14% of vehicles sold are BEVs, equating to 10.3 million vehicles last year. That is an 8x increase in BEV sales in the previous five years. Borg Warner had built its business over decades of supplying parts for power trains for vehicles with internal combustion engines. Beyond detailing their aggressive M&A strategy over the past few years and shifting to the BEV market, Harry walked summit attendees through a total transformation and repurposing of Borg Warner’s Seneca, SC plant from transfer cases to battery packs for BEVs.

Rob Bedenbaugh: SCDOT

In support of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program and partnership with the energy office of South Carolina, SCDOT is rolling out an aggressive plan to bring charging infrastructure to our state’s roadways. The highly collaborative plan details alternative fuel corridors along major roadways that will provide travelers with reliable, affordable, and accessible fast-charging options across the state.