Tennessee tops nationwide in auto strength

photo A crew of three Volkswagen employees work to load new Passats on railcars in Chattanooga Wednesday, June 29, 2011.

Tennessee, powered by new investments by Volkswagen and Nissan, won the top spot among states nationally in terms of automotive manufacturing strength, according to a trade publication.

Business Facilities magazine picked the state for the second consecutive year over other auto heavyweights such as Alabama, Michigan and Ohio.

"With new VWs rolling off the assembly line at a world-class, energy-efficient manufacturing facility and top-tier suppliers lining up to set up operations in the Chattanooga area, Tennessee has cemented its position as the top automotive powerhouse in the U.S.," said Jack Rogers, the magazine's editor-in-chief.

For full story, see Saturday's Times Free Press.

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