Automotive

By providing technical expertise and the transfer of technology, the Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS) at Mississippi State University in Starkville has had an economic impact of over $5 billion on the automotive manufacturing industry in Mississippi. Within a 100 mile radius of Starkville are Nissan, Toyota and Mercedes assembly plants, with another 17 automotive assembly plants within an eight hour drive.  Oktibbeha County is the center of the southeastern automotive cluster and the preeminent location for automotive research and development.

Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS) – Mississippi State University

The Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS) at Mississippi State University is an interdisciplinary center comprised of research, engineering design & development, and technology transfer teams for industry and government partners.

Their overall effort is focused on developing superior computational, engineering, manufacturing, design, and information technologies relevant to Mississippi and regional industries. This is accomplished by bringing to bear world-class technologist and technologies to solve complex problems.

The research output provides sustainable regional competitive advantages. To be successful, CAVS maintains a portfolio of short-term and long-term projects to create a succession of increasingly more vital outputs, ranging from students with enhanced project management skills to commercialization of the intellectual products.

 Research Programs

Research at Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems in Starkville focuses on the engineering challenges facing the automotive industry through the development of new solutions in materials, propulsion, and design.  Working directly with government agencies and the automotive industry, CAVS produces information and solutions that advance technology.

CAVS utilizes high performance computational resources and state-of-the art analytical tools. Their facilities include and have the capabilities for

• X-ray tomography for 3D bulk analyses
• 8 camera video recording system
• Aerosizer
• Arburg 170U Injection Molding Machine
• Axiovert microscope
• Carbolite tube furnace
• CATIA V5
• CNC lathe and milling
• View a full listing of capabilities

Using these facilities, CAVS offers services to the automotive industry.

Research is performed in the fields of

• Automotive Electronics
• Computational Manufacturing and Design
• Computational Simulation and Design
• Cooperative Computing
• EcoCAR
• Human Factors and Ergonomics
• Materials Processing
• Technology Transfer and Commercialization

Automotive Research Alliance

Mississippi State University is a member of the Automotive Research Alliance, which is composed of seven southeastern universities, the National Transportation Research Center, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This Alliance provides expertise, resources, research and technology to automotive manufacturers and suppliers. It also provides academic and training programs relevant to the automotive industry.

Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems Extension

The CAVS Extension Center located in Canton near the Nissan plant, just 104 miles from Starkville on Highway 25, facilitates technology transfer, provides access to advanced engineering tools and concepts, and provides professional development workshops. CAVS Extension has participated in 36 projects statewide ranging from facility planning and manufacturing processes to improving workflow and productivity for companies including

• International Truck and Engine Corporation
• Flexible Flyer
• Nissan
• Atlas Manufacturing
• Delphi
• Mueller
• Georgia Pacific
• Eaton
• Taylor Machine
• Northrop Grumman
• And many more

CAVS Extension won the 2010 Award of Excellence in Business Assistance and Entrepreneurship for its work with the Navistar plant in West Point.  The award was presented by the national University Economic Development Association.

Tax Incentives Relevant to the Automotive Industry

Research and Development Skills Tax Credit

• $1,000/employee/year
• Up to 5 years
• Reduces income tax liability
• For any position requiring research or development skills
• No minimum number of positions created to qualify
• Learn about this program and who qualifies

Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit

• State income tax credit for existing manufacturers (2 years in MS)
• 5% of eligible project investment in additional buildings and/or equipment
• Can offset 50% of tax liability
• Unused credits can be forwarded up to 5 years
• Learn more about this program

Other Mississippi Tax Incentives

Mississippi offers many tax incentives to businesses relocating or expanding in the state. View a listing of available tax incentives.

Skilled Available Workforce

Mississippi State University

Located in Starkville, Mississippi State University graduates are trained in the fields important to the automotive  industry.  Our access to experienced alumni is unprecedented.  We can help you find the ideal, experienced candidate for your company through the MSU Carreer Center.

Follow this link to enrollment and degrees conferred at Mississippi State University. 

Workforce Training

Center for Manufacturing Technology Excellence – East Mississippi Community College

Located in Mayhew at the Golden Triangle Campus, 12 miles east of  Starkville, the Center offers industry-driven training to create technically proficient workers. The facility includes two computer labs, a 70-seat auditorium, 2 classrooms, and a commons area which can be used for trade shows or conferences.