Several foreign auto companies have plans to open new plants or major new production facilities in the U.S. in 2026 and beyond. The exact number can vary depending on whether battery plants, joint ventures, and retooling projects at existing sites are included, but at least five foreign-based automakers and their battery partners have significant new facilities planned.
Key companies with new U.S. production facilities and expansion projects with opening dates in 2026 or later include:
VinFast (Vietnam): A new $2 billion electric vehicle (EV) factory is planned in Moncure, North Carolina. The opening was delayed from 2025, but construction plans are under review.
Volkswagen (Germany): Planning to invest $2 billion in a new manufacturing plant in South Carolina to produce battery-powered and hybrid SUVs and pickup trucks from 2027. Volkswagen has also partnered with Rivian and plans to produce vehicles using this partnership in the U.S. starting in 2028.
Mercedes-Benz (Germany): Plans to introduce a new vehicle model at its existing Tuscaloosa, Alabama, plant in 2027 as part of its expanding U.S. commitment.
Honda (Japan): Plans to shift production of the next-generation Civic hybrid from Mexico to an existing plant in Greensburg, Indiana, starting in May 2028.
Stellantis
(Netherlands/France/Italy): The trans-Atlantic company has a $13 billion
investment plan through 2029 for U.S. operations, including retooling several
existing plants for new production lines (e.g., new engine production in
Indiana in 2026, new SUV in Michigan in 2028, new Durango in Michigan in
2029).
Additionally, several foreign companies are involved in new EV battery manufacturing plants scheduled to begin production in 2026 or later:
AESC (Japan): Broke ground on a new battery facility in Florence, South Carolina, with production expected to begin in 2026, supplying BMW.
BMW (Germany): Building a battery assembly facility in Woodruff, South Carolina, with production scheduled for the end of 2026 to support EV production at its Spartanburg plant.
LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI (South Korea): These companies have multiple battery plants and joint ventures in the U.S. with production dates in 2026 or later, some retooling existing lines for new products.
Toyota (Japan): An expansion of its West Virginia plant to produce hybrid transaxles is expected to begin production in late 2026, and its first U.S.-made battery EV model is set for early 2026 production in Kentucky.
In
2026 and beyond, several foreign-based automotive companies have planned to
open new manufacturing plants or significantly expand existing facilities in
the U.S. to accommodate local production and mitigate potential tariffs.
The following international companies have confirmed or announced plans for 2026 and later:
New Manufacturing Plants
Scout Motors (Volkswagen Group): A new $2 billion assembly plant is under construction in South Carolina, with vehicle production of rugged electric SUVs and pickups expected to begin in 2027.
Hyundai Motor Group: Beyond its Georgia "Metaplant" opening in 2025, Hyundai announced a $5.8 billion steel plant in Louisiana to support its U.S.-based production.
Sony Honda Mobility (SHM): This joint venture plans to launch the AFEELA brand in the U.S. market as early as 2028, with vehicles being built in North America through their partnership.
VinFast Auto: The Vietnamese automaker broke ground on a $2 billion factory in North Carolina; while construction has faced delays, the company previously adjusted its operational forecast toward late 2025/2026.
Major Expansions & Reopened Facilities
Stellantis (Netherlands-based parent of Jeep/Chrysler): Announced a $13 billion investment through 2029 to increase U.S. output by 50%. Key projects include:
Reopening
the Belvidere, Illinois plant in 2027 for a new midsize
pickup.
Upgrading
several Indiana plants for new engine production starting
in 2026.
Launching next-generation vehicle production in Michigan and Ohio in 2028 and 2029.
Toyota: Plans to start production of next-generation hybrid transaxles and drivetrain components at its West Virginia plant in late 2026. It is also expanding hybrid capacity in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri.
Honda: Plans to shift production of the Civic hybrid from Mexico to its Indiana plant beginning in May 2028.
Volvo: The company is expanding its South Carolina hub to add a new bestseller (the XC60) to the line in late 2026, aiming to produce over 50% of its U.S. volume locally.
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Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader
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