EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Tim Walberg sees auto manufacturing ‘renaissance’ as Ford, other companies pour billions into U.S.

Rep. Tim Walberg (R., Mich.) says Michigan is experiencing an automotive manufacturing “renaissance” as automakers pour billions of dollars into American production.

“Michigan has faced major automotive job losses as production moved overseas due to unfair trade practices and burdensome regulations,” Walberg (R., Mich.) told the Washington Reporter‘s Matthew Foldi exclusively, when asked about Ford’s recent plan to move Lincoln production from China to the U.S. 

“After years of being taken advantage of, Republicans have worked to spark an automotive renaissance that workers have long called for, restoring good-paying jobs and ensuring vehicles are built in Michigan again,” Walberg continued.

The comments come amid a wave of new investments from the country’s largest automakers, including major projects in Michigan.

Ford is investing $3 billion in its BlueOval Battery Park in Marshall, Michigan, which is expected to create 1,700 jobs. The automaker has also added a third shift at its Dearborn Truck Plant as demand for its F-Series trucks remains strong.

Ford is simultaneously expanding elsewhere in the country. The company recently announced it will move production of the Lincoln Aviator from China to Kentucky and is investing another $1 billion in its Kentucky Truck Plant for a new paint facility.

General Motors has announced more than $6 billion in domestic manufacturing investments over the past year. That includes hundreds of millions of dollars for Michigan facilities, including investments in Romulus and Saginaw.

Stellantis, meanwhile, announced a $13 billion plan to expand its American manufacturing operations by 50 percent and add more than 5,000 jobs.

Other automakers have made similar moves. Honda is producing its next-generation Civic in Indiana rather than Mexico, while Mercedes-Benz has announced a major expansion of SUV production in Alabama.

The investments have become a centerpiece of President Donald Trump’s economic agenda. The White House has pointed to the surge in domestic auto investment as evidence that the administration’s trade policies are pushing manufacturers to build more vehicles in the United States.

“Automakers are now investing and expanding at a pace not seen in decades, making Michigan a renewed cornerstone of American auto production,” Walberg said.

“We must keep this momentum going to level the playing field, spur domestic investment, and foster job and economic growth.”