Gov. Haley leading delegation to Germany for auto show

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Gov. Nikki Haley is leading a nine-day economic development trip to Sweden and Germany to recruit jobs in the automotive industry.

Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt said Thursday the trip starts next week at Volvo’s headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden. The delegation will then proceed to Munich, Germany, before heading to the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany.

He says there will be dozens of meetings with auto supply companies.

Volvo and Mercedes-Benz Vans are in the process of building plants in the Charleston region. Both announced plans earlier this year.

Hitt expects the trip to cost taxpayers roughly $50,000. The delegation will consist of about 20 people. The nine state employees include Haley, two others in her office and six Commerce officials.

This marks Haley’s second trip to the auto show.