Jay T. Butler, M.S. M.E., MBA

🚨 UAW REACHES TENTATIVE AGREEMENT WITH VOLKSWAGEN IN CHATTANOOGA, MARKING HISTORIC BREAKTHROUGH FOR SOUTHERN AUTOWORKERS 🚨 Autoworkers at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga plant have won a historic tentative agreement with the company. After making history as the first Southern autoworkers outside the Big Three to join the UAW, the 3,200 workers at Volkswagen Chattanooga have won a tentative contract deal that provides 20 percent across-the-board wage increases, affordable health care, real job security, and more. After workers voted 3-to-1 to join the UAW in 2024, they elected a 20-member negotiating committee of their peers. After months of negotiations, the tentative deal marks a breakthrough for non-union autoworkers and manufacturing workers across the South. The tentative deal ensures that Volkswagen workers have a legally binding and enforceable agreement that guarantees fair pay, more affordable health care, safer working conditions, and clear protections against favoritism. “For years, Chattanooga workers were told to settle for less while Volkswagen made record profits. So, the workers stood together and won their union—and now they’ve secured a life-changing first agreement,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “This deal proves what happens when autoworkers stand up and demand their fair share. People said Southern autoworkers could never form a union or win a union contract. Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga said, ‘Watch this.’” For workers like bargaining committee co-chair Steve Cochran, a skilled trades worker and co-chair of the Bargaining Committee, the agreement represents a turning point. “A strong contract makes sure promises are delivered. Respect and security shouldn’t be up for negotiation—and now they won’t be.” The tentative agreement is especially significant given Volkswagen’s recent record-breaking profits. In 2024 alone, the world’s second-largest automaker reported $20.6 billion in profits—even as Chattanooga workers struggled under substandard health coverage and rising out-of-pocket costs. Workers will receive details of the tentative agreement in the coming days, followed by a ratification vote. “This contract is proof that if you stand up and stick together, you can win a better life,” said Kelcey Smith, a worker in the paint department. “No matter where you live, or where you work, autoworkers deserve a union contract, whether at the Big Three or Volkswagen, from Detroit to Chattanooga. Volkswagen workers are showing the whole country what’s possible.” The Chattanooga victory signals a profound shift in the Southern auto industry, as workers across the region stand up to global corporations, demand their fair share, and build a future where autoworkers—no matter where they live or what company they work for—have a collective voice and a seat at the table. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gpP7i5CC

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Toyota #WestVirginia Investment: $453 million, 80 jobs! Toyota’s Buffalo, WV plant will add 80 jobs to increase assembly of 4-cylinder hybrid-compatible engines, sixth-generation hybrid transaxles and rear motor stators. The expansion, which will begin production in 2027, also includes new shift patterns for greater efficiency. Toyota West Virginia assembles more than one million engines, transmissions and hybrid transaxles annually and represents a $3.3 billion investment. #Automotive #Innovation and #Manufacturing in #YesWV

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🚙 We shifted into second gear on day two of the 2026 SC Automotive Summit, hosted by South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce, as Joseph Von Nessen from the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina highlighted the powerful role automotive manufacturing plays in South Carolina’s economy—driving a $64.6 billion industry, supporting 119,475 jobs statewide, and representing 16% of the state’s total manufacturing base. These figures underscore how automotive manufacturing is not just a pillar but a driving force of South Carolina’s economic success. #SCAutoSum26 #SCAutomotiveSummit #SCAuto #SCManufacturing #InnovateUSC #EconomicImpact

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Scout Motors Inc. has selected Charlotte, North Carolina, as its new corporate headquarters, delivering a major boost to the state’s clean transportation economy. Governor Josh Stein announced that the automaker will invest over $206.9 million and create 1,200 high-paying jobs in Mecklenburg County. Stein called the move a milestone for both the state and the historic American brand, noting North Carolina’s business-friendly climate, strong universities, clean energy leadership, quality of life, and skilled workforce. See EVinfo.net's article: https://lnkd.in/e2V8eueZ Scout Motors is reviving the classic Scout nameplate, first produced by International Harvester from 1961 to 1980 and widely regarded as the original utility vehicle built for adventure and family use. Formed in 2022, the company is developing a new generation of rugged electric trucks and SUVs inspired by the beloved original. Scout unveiled concept versions of its all-electric Traveler SUV and Terra truck in late 2024, with production slated for 2027. To support its next phase of growth, Scout will build a 300,000-square-foot headquarters in Charlotte, housing R&D, IT, finance, marketing, sales, and key corporate functions. CEO Scott Keogh said Charlotte offers the talent, momentum, and innovative spirit needed for rapid, sustainable growth. The projected economic impact is significant. The 1,200 new jobs will carry an average salary of 172,878 dollars, far above the county average, generating an estimated 207.4 million dollars in new annual payroll. A Job Development Investment Grant will support the project, which is expected to grow the state’s economy by 4.8 billion dollars over 12 years. Because the headquarters is located in a Tier 3 county, up to 15.5 million dollars will also flow to the state’s Industrial Development Fund to support rural infrastructure. State and local leaders praised the collaboration that secured the project, noting that Scout Motors strengthens North Carolina’s position as a national leader in mobility, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. EVs are bringing cleaner air, lower costs to drivers, and economic growth to America's cities. Win-win-win. Support EVs and try an electric test drive today. Support renewable energy, which also saves money. EVs will keep growing FAST in the USA and worldwide. Electrified vehicles now make up 43% of global auto sales as of Q1 2025, up from just 9% in 2019. China accounts for over 50% of global BEV sales, with Europe and the U.S. trailing behind. EVinfo.net is an EV-influencer led publication, offering sponsored articles, interviews and more to the EV industry. See samples below: https://lnkd.in/gH5Gdqb7 Sign up for the EVinfo.net e-news: https://lnkd.in/gHq6iA2p #electricvehicles

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Honored to join the AI Tennessee Summit on March 25 for the panel "What Industry Needs from Tennessee". I’m looking forward to a thoughtful conversation about how we move AI beyond potential and into practical, responsible, and scalable impact across organizations and communities. To me, the most meaningful progress happens when we connect innovation with implementation, governance, and human outcomes. Grateful to be part of this dialogue alongside leaders from industry, academia, and government. #AITennessee #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalTransformation #Innovation

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