For the most part, the Alabama auto industry has been steadily accelerating ever since Mercedez-Benz began rolling vehicles off its first United States plant in Vance three decades ago. But ever year, industry officials park for a few hours to commemorate their accomplishments at the annual Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association Appreciation Dinner.
The 2026 event took place Nov. 12 at the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa. According to the AAMA, the three-hour ceremony was designed to “celebrate Alabama automotive, highlight industry successes and recognize special partners making an impact.”
Representatives from all five of the major Alabama automotive OEMs — Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota — provided updates on what took place at their plants in 2026 and plans for 2027 and beyond. There also was a presentation from the International Motors Huntsville Powertrain Plant.
AAMA president Ron Davis then handed out nearly 20 awards to companies and individuals who have played key roles in the industry’s success in Alabama.
The Service Provider award was shared between the Modern Manufacturing training program — which was started by the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama — and the Birmingham-based Onin Group staffing company.
The Large Manufacturer award went to Lear Corporation, a tier-1 supplier specializing in automotive seating with multiple locations throughout the state. Stamped Products, a production metal stamping and welding shop based in Gadsden, took Small Manufacturer honors.
Several individuals and their companies/organizations were recognized with Impact Awards. These included Alabama Sen. Gerald Allen, Gene Cleveland (KTH Leesburg), John Evans (Auburn University), Michael Gaines (Honda), Michael Rasbury (UA SafeState), Chris Lewis (Automotive Industry Action Group), David Fernandes (Mazda Toyota), and Jimmy Hodges and Gayle Hagewood with Calhoun Community College.
The Hall of Fame Award went to Mark Brazeal, vice president at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing who has been with the Huntsville plant since its startup in 2002. Special Recognition awards were given to longtime educator Jimmy Baker (chancellor of the Alabama Community College System) and Ed Castile, who recently retired after serving 33 years as the director of Alabama Industrial Development Training.
