RiverWalker

While the incentives must have been a significant factor in the decision, that would not have been the only factor. In spite of Greenville's proximity to Clemson and in spite of the beautiful new ICAR campus (and its potential, which is yet to be realized), one can not overlook the engineering powerhouse that is Big Blue, the University of Michigan. We still have some catching up to do. I moved to the Upstate 12 years ago from Washtenaw County - in fact, the very area in which this facility will most likely be located. The quality of life here is at least as good as, and in some ways - e.g., weather - superior to, the Ann Arbor area. Personally, however, I prefer it here, which is why I'm staying. The decision wasn't a slam-dunk, however. For instance, the Detroit Free Press noted that "Already, a subsidiary called Mercedes-Benz Hybrid LLC has 14 employees in Michigan, according to the briefing memo provided to the Free Press." The DFP article went on to say: "The Michigan Economic Development Corp. is recommending a 100% employment tax credit for 10 years for up to 223 employees, which is expected to bring $9.9 million in company investment over five years. "The memo notes that Michigan is at a competitive disadvantage compared with sites in Greenville, South Carolina [emphasis mine] and the research triangle area of North Carolina, which includes universities in Durham, Chapel Hill and Raleigh. "The biggest disadvantage, according to the memo, is wages and benefits. North and South Carolina also have experienced significant growth relating to hybrid vehicle technology development." Obviously industry leaders are recognizing the technological growth that the Carolinas have experienced in recent years, and the benefits to be enjoyed from the lower cost of living here and, therefore, the lower wage base. As you can see, Michigan's economic incentives really HAD to have been made in order to overcome those factors. What SC needs is something like the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) to become more competitive when it comes to incentives. RW

Yes.

Among the many incentives for locating an assembly plant in the Upstate is the availability of suppliers. For instance, on Sept. 22 Carbon Motors announced a partnership with automotive interior manufacturer Lear Inc. for development of the specialized seating used in the vehicle. Lear builds seats and other interior parts for BMW vehicles in an existing plant in Duncan. Just five days before the Carbon Motors announcement, Lear announced a $10.4 million investment to build a new plant in Greer. This plant is expected to bring 140 new jobs to the area. I believe this agreement builds upon an existing business relationship between the two companies, as I thought I noticed a LEAR tab sticking discretely out of a seam in the driver's seat in at least one of the photos of the E7. It's great to see the automotive industry alive and well in the Upstate - thriving even - in spite of current economic conditions.