I call on automakers throughout the SE.
Nissan: TN, MS, Toyota: AL, TX, Honda: AL, BMW: SC, Mercedes: AL, Hyundai: AL.
All have done a tremendous amount for these state economies. Workers are locals. The support industry has brought a lot of new business and good paying jobs.
I don't doubt what you are trying to say or question your stats, but the auto industry is alive and well and gravitating to the southern US. Vehicles built here are assembled from components and raw materials here in the states. I saw some figures at Nissan about their trucks components being a higher percentage domestic than Ford and GM who get a lot from MX and other out of country suppliers.
I'm sure we could debate where each corps. money goes but I know for a fact the above mentioned foreign owned put a lot of food on the table in the USA.
I grew up in MI and when I go visit Flint and Detroit, it sure doesn't look as healthy as the economies of Birmingham, Greenville, and Nashville.
Also it might be interesting to talk to employees at each factory. GM is closing their Atlanta plant and Ford may not be far behind, but workers will no doubt find employment in the "new" auto industry.
Maybe I'm missing something but the foreign aoutomakers I see have done a hell of lot for OUR economy.