The study showed that the industry accounts for some 4.5 million U.S. jobs.
The study was prepared for MEMA by the Center for Automotive Research at the University of Michigan.
"This is the first study ever undertaken that shows the true economic impact of the motor vehicle parts industry," Bob McKenna, MEMA president and CEO, said. "While the industry is always changing, the study clearly establishes our industry as the core of U.S. manufacturing.
"The study’s findings make it clear that despite the many challenges facing our industry, automotive suppliers account for more jobs – and provide more economic well-being to more Americans – than any other manufacturing sector," he said.
According to the study, motor vehicle suppliers directly employ 783,100 U.S. workers and every supplier job creates another 4.7 jobs in the economy. These include an additional 1.97 million jobs in industries ranging from steel to plastics that support the supplier industry and 1.7 million jobs supported by the spending of direct and indirect employees.
Auto supplier jobs account for some $252 billion in compensation – more than $45,000 in average annual compensation per industry worker – according to the study.
