Auto Jobs Demise Exaggerated, Governor Nixon Says

Claycomo, MO – The Missouri automotive jobs situation is on sound footing, according to a panel drawn together by Governor Jay Nixon. He summarizes the task force conclusions as "poised for growth" and said so at the Ford Claycomo Plant.

The governor picked the group from manufacturing, parts supply, auto workers and academia. State jobs in the auto sector have dropped 35 percent the last five years, but the panel cited a skilled workforce and factory base that can benefit with the right energy efficient vehicle attention. In the governor's words-
"with the volatile price of gasoline, these higher efficiency cars and vehicles and trucks, are going to be used and we need to look for ways in the next legislative session to incent not only the purchase but the use of those vehicles."
The panel noted the state has an automotive workforce of 26 thousand and a business climate boasting competitive tax rates and closeness to the nation's markets. It called for beefing up the state's economic incentives 'toolbox' to make Missouri more attractive for new automotive area investment.