A high-level Japanese delegation representing key segments of the automotive industry has completed a three-day visit to South Carolina from November 17–19, marking another meaningful step in strengthening partnerships between Japanese industry leaders and their U.S. counterparts.
The visit was organized by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, and the Upstate SC Alliance. Together, these organizations curated a comprehensive tour showcasing South Carolina’s rapidly evolving automotive ecosystem and its growing role in the global mobility landscape.
The delegation’s program opened with an economic briefing led by the South Carolina Department of Commerce, followed by an overview of the state’s automotive manufacturing landscape delivered by the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance. These sessions offered insight into South Carolina’s competitive advantages, investment climate, and the state’s expanding capabilities within both traditional and next-generation vehicle production.
Following the briefings, the delegation visited Scout Motors’ Columbia Connection Center. Executives from Scout Motors provided an update on the construction of what will become one of the largest electric vehicle manufacturing facilities in South Carolina’s history. Delegates explored new opportunities for collaboration, particularly in EV supply chains, advanced components, and future technology development. A luncheon with Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III further reinforced the state’s commitment to deepening economic ties with Japanese industry partners.
In the afternoon, the group toured the Cornerstone Economic Development and Workforce Training Center at Midlands Technical College, where they observed workforce programs that directly support the automotive sector’s growth—including specialized training aligned with Scout Motors and other manufacturers. The day concluded with a networking reception hosted by the South Carolina I-77 Alliance, offering delegates additional opportunities to connect with regional business leaders.
The second day of the visit focused on South Carolina’s logistics advantages. Delegates toured the Port of Charleston, one of the largest and most advanced port operations in the southeastern United States. Additional visits included the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, the Robert Bosch Charleston facility, and the Mercedes-Benz Vans plant—each offering insight into the state’s expanding manufacturing presence and the increasing role of global suppliers.
On the final day, the delegation traveled to Inland Port Greer, a strategically important logistics hub that supports automotive supply chains across the Upstate region. After a networking lunch with local businesses and automotive executives, the group continued to the Upstate SC Alliance offices and Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR). At CU-ICAR, they learned about the university’s ongoing collaborative initiatives with JTEKT North America, a prominent Japanese automotive components manufacturer.
The visit concluded at the International Transportation Innovation Center (ITIC), a state-of-the-art facility specializing in mobility research, testing, and validation for next-generation transportation technologies.
With the visit successfully completed, JETRO expressed its enthusiasm for expanding cooperation with the State of South Carolina, emphasizing that the momentum between Japan and the region—especially in advanced technology sectors—continues to accelerate.
