South Carolina Congressman William Timmons brought Georgia Congresswoman Nikema Williams on a tour of the Upstate’s booming automotive industry Tuesday as they discuss advancements in energy and manufacturing.
Congress Members Timmons and Williams were given an introduction to the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research, or CU-ICAR, and the work the campus is doing.
David Clayton, the Executive Director of CU-ICAR, said they are currently working to implement an undergraduate automotive engineering program focused on modern technologically-rich vehicles.
The campus is also working to expand to create both new jobs and additional opportunities for students.
“I just think it’s a huge opportunity given all the investment that we have, and as more and more people move here and more people invest in the area, it’s just going to bring about additional opportunity for the people,” Timmons said following the tour. “I think that’s what’s important, and there’s a lot of life changing work that is going on here. And whether it’s the exoskeletons, whether it’s the autonomous vehicles, they’re going to make a huge impact on our country, and I’m again just proud to be a part of it.”