A scan of 2004 U.S. automotive-related projects in the Conway Data New Plant database through the end of November revealed that Michigan was leading the field, with states like Alabama, Tennessee and Indiana doing their level best to catch up to the perennial automotive projects leader.
      Canada, after a few hiccups the past few years, has come around late to the incentives game, but is seeing early results, as it welcomes major investments by Ford in Oakville, DaimlerChrysler in Windsor and GM in St. Catharine's. All of which fits in well with the Canadian Automotive Partnership Council's recommendations for continuing investment.
      Mexico has made its own leap up the value chain as well as the project charts, with investments by Toyota in Baja, DaimlerChrysler in Toluca and Saltillo, Coahuila, the $2-billion up-grade of Volkswagen AG's Puebla plant and a $1.2-billion upgrade at Ford's Hermosillo plant. The $210-million Saltillo project is backed by DaimlerChrysler executive citations of Mexico's rising quality standing and incredibly low absenteeism. Supplier expansions in Mexico by the likes of Denso, Visteon and Jatco have quickly followed suit, as the country assumes a new stature as global marketplace exporter.
      Toyota's Baja location is seeing investment of $140 million and a rise in employment from 586 to 700. And it's getting in on the supplier park concept too, with a $6.6-million facility employing 140 people that will be run by CAMEX, a Mexican subsidiary of logistical and service provider Toyota Tsusho America.
      A few snapshots reveal some illuminating trends in new NAFTA auto plants: the continuing attraction of foreign capital, and an unparalleled degree of both line flexibility and logistics refinement. Coming into view behind all projects is an awareness of environmental concerns and alternative fuel strategies that goes well beyond PR, into the heart of vehicular operations.