College of Textiles awarded Automotive Research Project by the North
Carolina Department of Commerce (NC DOC)

Nancy Powell, Associate Professor

North Carolina State researchers are examining The Current Status of the Automobile Industry in North Carolina. There are over 1,000 N.C. companies engaged in the transportation supply chain. It is critical to identify and understand the scope of N.C.’s capabilities, and to engage these companies and other potential participants who can contribute to the State’s economic development. Derek Chen, Chair of the N.C. Commerce Automotive Industry Sector Team (NC AIST), describes this project as designed to support the Department of Commerce’s mission “to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for all North Carolinians” by enhancing the global market competitiveness of North Carolina’s Automotive Industry.

The College of Textile’s automotive research team will seek to quantify the North Carolina automotive industry, identify core competencies of North Carolina companies, and determine ways to assist these companies for increased global competitiveness.

The “transportation industry” in North Carolina is defined by all related activities used in the automotive supply chain: Traditional manufacturing, and the network of Tier level suppliers, distribution, retail, after market, marketing and design, development activities, testing services, e-commerce, and other auxiliary industries.

NCSU’s College of Textiles Automotive Research team, led by Principle Investigator, Associate Professor Nancy Powell, will provide counsel to the NC AIST and its subcommittees, including the investment, existing industry, innovation and energy groups. NCSU will accomplish this by providing research regarding companies, products, markets, and assistance in programming and development.

The College of Textile team will work closely with the NC AIST as they propose strategic plan and marketing initiatives based on data acquisition, automotive study analysis and needed assistance. The NC AIST will implement recommendations made by NCSU throughout their organizations and within the automotive industry and propose solutions through policy and legislative recommendations.

College of Textiles’ graduate students, Laura Sampson and Amy Quinn and COT Senior Paul Hoang and Katie Voytko are the key team players for this important automotive research project.

College of Textiles
P.O. Box 8301
Raleigh, NC 27695-8301
Telephone: (919) 515-6632
FAX: (919) 515-3733
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