January 9, 2026

Norfolk Southern Fuels South Carolina’s Automotive Growth

Charleston, SC, January 9, 2026

South Carolina is rapidly becoming a key player in the national automotive industry, bolstered by Norfolk Southern’s extensive rail network. The state is attracting significant private investment, with projects like Scout Motors’ $2 billion plant and a joint venture with SODECIA AAPICO. These initiatives highlight the pivotal role of efficient logistics and infrastructure, enabling local businesses to thrive and create jobs, while positioning South Carolina as a national automotive powerhouse.

Charleston, SC

Rail Roars Ahead: Norfolk Southern Fuels South Carolina’s Automotive Ascent

South Carolina is quickly establishing itself as a prominent hub in the national automotive landscape, and the robust rail network provided by Norfolk Southern is playing a pivotal role in this economic acceleration. As the Lowcountry and broader state embrace innovation and attract substantial private investment, efficient logistics and strategic infrastructure are proving to be key drivers of growth for local businesses and communities.

The spirit of entrepreneurial innovation is evident across the state, from the advanced manufacturing floors to the bustling ports. Norfolk Southern’s expanding automotive business in South Carolina is a testament to this dynamism, as the railroad leverages its extensive network and site development expertise to underpin new ventures within the state’s automotive supply chain. This collaborative approach between private industry and logistical partners underscores a thriving environment where strategic partnerships lead to tangible economic benefits and job creation across Charleston and beyond.

Norfolk Southern’s Strategic Investments in South Carolina’s Automotive Sector

Norfolk Southern (NS) is a critical enabler of the burgeoning automotive industry across South Carolina, actively fostering growth through long-term investments in rail logistics and strategic partnerships with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The railroad’s commitment extends to supporting a robust supply chain that benefits both established global manufacturers and emerging electric vehicle (EV) innovators within the state. Norfolk Southern’s site development expertise, network reach, and connectivity are instrumental in backing new initiatives within South Carolina’s automotive supply chain.

Driving Innovation: Key Automotive Projects in the Palmetto State

Several significant projects highlight Norfolk Southern’s integral role in South Carolina’s automotive expansion:

The SODECIA AAPICO Joint Venture in Orangeburg

In Orangeburg, a joint venture between SODECIA and AAPICO, both family-owned global automotive manufacturers, is constructing a new 400,000-square-foot plant. This $120 million facility is strategically located on the 380-acre Tri-County Global Industrial Site, which boasts direct Norfolk Southern rail service and connections to major transportation corridors. The facility, designed to produce ladder frames for Scout Motors Inc., is expected to conclude construction in 2027, with production slated to begin in March 2028. This project is anticipated to create nearly 400 new jobs in Orangeburg County, fueling long-term economic development. Norfolk Southern actively participated in the recruitment team for this substantial investment.

Scout Motors’ State-of-the-Art Plant in Blythewood

Scout Motors, a U.S. subsidiary of German automaker Volkswagen, is building a major $2 billion plant in Blythewood, South Carolina. This facility, scheduled to commence production in 2027, is projected to manufacture approximately 200,000 electric trucks and SUVs annually. Norfolk Southern will provide essential services to the plant, including the transportation of inbound parts and outbound finished vehicles using specialized multilevel rail cars. Scout Motors recognized and utilized Norfolk Southern’s industrial development and automotive logistics expertise in 2023 for this critical endeavor.

BMW’s Continued Expansion and Rail Reliance

BMW continues to be a cornerstone of South Carolina’s automotive success. The automaker’s $1 billion assembly plant expansion in Spartanburg and its $700 million battery assembly plant in Woodruff, which opened in 2022, represent significant developments supported by Norfolk Southern’s network. BMW’s Spartanburg plant holds the distinction of being its largest manufacturing facility globally, responsible for assembling the majority of the automaker’s SUVs. A $200 million press shop also opened in Spartanburg in 2024. Norfolk Southern plays a crucial role in moving various parts into the Spartanburg plant and facilitating the transport of finished vehicles from the facility to diverse destinations, including the Port of Charleston for export. A collaboration between BMW, South Carolina Ports, and Norfolk Southern has resulted in a unique intermodal solution, converting nearly 20,000 truckloads to rail, thereby enhancing sustainability and manufacturing efficiency. Since its opening in 1994, NS has transported finished BMW vehicles from Greer to the port, and now utilizes double-stack trains for parts and components.

Redwood Materials’ Investment in Charleston’s Battery Sector

Further bolstering the Charleston County economy and the state’s focus on future-forward industries, Redwood Materials selected a Charleston site in late 2022 for a substantial $3.5 billion battery recycling plant. This investment signals the growing importance of the Lowcountry in the broader EV supply chain.

South Carolina: A National Automotive Powerhouse

South Carolina has cemented its status as a national automotive powerhouse, marked by significant historic investments, expanding export leadership, and a robust manufacturing infrastructure, particularly in electric vehicles and batteries. The automotive sector serves as a primary economic driver for the state, supporting approximately 154,900 jobs and contributing $18.4 billion to the gross state product. Over half of these jobs are attributed to auto-related manufacturing plants and suppliers. Since 2017, investments exceeding $27 billion have poured into auto-related manufacturing and supply, with a notable $4.3 billion dedicated to vehicle, electric vehicle, and battery plants in 2023 alone. South Carolina holds the fourth position nationally in regional EV manufacturing employment, with total EV and battery-related investments reaching $13.3 billion by mid-2025. These figures underscore the state’s strategic importance in the evolving automotive industry and the opportunities for South Carolina entrepreneurs.

Strengthening the Supply Chain: Rail and Port Connectivity

The efficiency of Charleston SC business relies heavily on integrated logistics, and the collaboration between rail and port infrastructure is paramount. The Port of Charleston offers daily express intermodal and merchandise rail services through both the CSX and Norfolk Southern systems. These services are crucial for transporting imported car parts from ports like Charleston to inland assembly plants across the state.

South Carolina’s inland ports further extend this reach. Inland Port Greer and Inland Port Dillon provide direct rail service connecting to and from the Port of Charleston. Inland Port Greer recorded 17,818 rail moves in September of the first fiscal quarter of 2026, marking an 18% year-over-year increase and setting a record for the Upstate intermodal facility. Similarly, Inland Port Dillon achieved an all-time monthly record with 4,888 rail moves, a 275% increase over the previous September.

A transformative project, the $400 million Navy Base Intermodal Facility in North Charleston, is underway. Expected to open in July 2025, this rail yard will directly connect the Port of Charleston with freight trains, providing a crucial “on-dock” or “near-dock” rail service that major East Coast container ports require for competitiveness. The facility, to be served by both Norfolk Southern and CSX, aims to nearly triple the port’s rail cargo capacity, potentially removing thousands of tractor-trailer trips from local roads and significantly reducing vehicle emissions. Norfolk Southern is a strong supporter of this project, recognizing its vital role in enhancing logistics efficiency. Freight rail, with its capacity to move hundreds of vehicles at once, is fundamentally involved in all stages of auto manufacturing, from raw materials to finished vehicles. Norfolk Southern stands as the largest originator of auto shipments in North America, serving numerous auto assembly plants and distribution terminals across 17 states Nationwide.

Conclusion: A Future Built on Rail and Resilience

The synergy between Norfolk Southern’s strategic investments, South Carolina’s proactive economic development efforts, and the entrepreneurial spirit of its businesses is creating a robust environment for the automotive industry. The significant capital flowing into manufacturing and EV technology, coupled with enhanced rail and port infrastructure, positions Charleston County economy and the wider state for sustained Lowcountry economic growth. By embracing innovative logistics and encouraging private sector collaboration, South Carolina continues to demonstrate how a focused approach can drive prosperity and job creation, reinforcing the state’s standing as a leader in advanced manufacturing and transportation.

We encourage our readers to stay engaged with the unfolding developments in Charleston’s economy and to support the local businesses and South Carolina entrepreneurs who are contributing to this remarkable growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Norfolk Southern’s role in South Carolina’s automotive industry growth?: Norfolk Southern (NS) is actively involved in the growth of South Carolina’s automotive supply chain through its site development expertise, network reach, and connectivity. NS has forged partnerships with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and supported their growth through long-term investments in rail logistics.
What major automotive projects is Norfolk Southern supporting in South Carolina?: Norfolk Southern is supporting key projects including a $120 million SODECIA AAPICO joint venture plant in Orangeburg, a $2 billion Scout Motors plant in Blythewood, and BMW’s $1 billion assembly plant expansion in Spartanburg and a $700 million battery assembly plant in Woodruff.
What is the economic impact of the automotive industry in South Carolina?: The automotive industry is a top driver of South Carolina’s economy, supporting approximately 154,900 jobs and contributing $18.4 billion in gross state product. Auto-related manufacturing plants and suppliers account for over half of these jobs. Since 2017, over $27 billion has been invested in auto-related manufacturing and supply.
How much has been invested in EV and battery-related projects in South Carolina?: As of mid-2025, EV and battery-related investments in South Carolina totaled $13.3 billion, with $4.3 billion focused on vehicle, EV, and battery plants in 2023 alone. South Carolina ranks fourth nationally in regional EV manufacturing employment.
How does rail infrastructure support the Port of Charleston’s automotive business?: The Port of Charleston features daily express intermodal and merchandise rail services through the CSX and Norfolk Southern systems. It plays a crucial role in transporting imported car parts from ports like Charleston to inland assembly plants.
What is the Navy Base Intermodal Facility, and what is its significance?: The Navy Base Intermodal Facility in North Charleston is a $400 million project expected to open in July 2025. It will directly connect the Port of Charleston with freight trains, providing crucial “on-dock” or “near-dock” rail service. This facility aims to nearly triple the port’s rail cargo capacity, reducing truck trips and emissions. Norfolk Southern is a significant backer of this project.

Key Features of Norfolk Southern’s Automotive Business Growth in South Carolina

Feature	Description	Scope
Role in Automotive Supply Chain	Utilizes site development expertise, network reach, and connectivity to back new moves in the state’s automotive supply chain.	State-level
SODECIA AAPICO JV Investment	A $120 million, 400,000-square-foot plant in Orangeburg on a rail-ready site with direct NS service, creating nearly 400 new jobs.	State-level
Scout Motors Plant	A $2 billion plant in Blythewood, served by NS, projected to produce 200,000 electric trucks and SUVs annually.	State-level
BMW Expansion	$1 billion assembly plant expansion in Spartanburg and a $700 million battery assembly plant in Woodruff, both served by NS.	State-level
Automotive Economic Impact	Supports 154,900 jobs and contributes $18.4 billion in gross state product statewide.	State-level
EV and Battery Investments	Totaled $13.3 billion as of mid-2025, with South Carolina ranking fourth nationally in regional EV manufacturing employment.	State-level, Nationwide (for ranking)
Port of Charleston Rail Services	Features daily express intermodal and merchandise rail services through both CSX and Norfolk Southern systems.	State-level
Navy Base Intermodal Facility	A $400 million project in North Charleston opening in July 2025, connecting the Port of Charleston with freight trains, served by NS and CSX.	State-level
Overall Automotive Shipments	Norfolk Southern is the largest originator of auto shipments in North America.	Nationwide