Hillsboro's Place in the Automotive Industry
Modern vehicles are computers on wheels. A new car can contain thousands of semiconductor chips that manage everything from engine control and battery systems to driver assistance and infotainment. That shift has made Hillsboro, a global semiconductor center, an increasingly important part of the automotive supply chain, even without traditional car assembly plants.
The broader Portland region also has a strong heavy-duty transportation manufacturing heritage, including commercial trucks, railcars and specialized components. Combined with Oregon's high electric vehicle adoption and the regional focus on sustainability, Hillsboro sits at the intersection of technology and mobility.
How We Selected These Companies
This list highlights manufacturers in or near Hillsboro that design or produce vehicles, automotive electronics, components or related services. We evaluated their connection to the automotive industry, regional presence, innovation and economic impact.
The Top 10 Automotive-Related Manufacturers Connected to Hillsboro
1. Daimler Truck North America
Headquartered in Portland, Daimler Truck North America is one of the largest heavy-duty truck manufacturers on the continent, known for its Freightliner and Western Star brands. Its engineering work on electric and autonomous trucks attracts talent from across the metro area.
2. Intel and Mobileye
Intel's Hillsboro research and manufacturing expertise supports automotive-grade computing, while its affiliated company Mobileye is a leader in advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving technology.
3. Lattice Semiconductor
Hillsboro-based Lattice supplies low-power programmable chips used in automotive applications such as camera systems, displays and driver assistance sensors.
4. Qorvo
Qorvo's Hillsboro operations contribute to radio frequency technologies that support vehicle connectivity, including cellular, Wi-Fi and vehicle-to-everything communications.
5. Jireh Semiconductor
Jireh produces power semiconductor devices in Hillsboro, a category increasingly important for electric vehicle power management and charging systems.
6. TTM Technologies
TTM's Forest Grove facility manufactures advanced printed circuit boards, and the company is a major supplier to automotive and transportation electronics markets.
7. Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher's Hillsboro-built electron microscopes are used by automakers and battery researchers to analyze materials, inspect battery components and investigate failures in electronic parts.
8. The Greenbrier Companies
Based in Lake Oswego, Greenbrier is a leading manufacturer of railcars, supporting freight transportation that moves vehicles and parts across North America.
9. Radius Recycling
Radius Recycling, formerly Schnitzer Steel, is headquartered in Portland and is one of the largest recyclers of end-of-life vehicles in the country, recovering metals that return to steel production.
10. Les Schwab Tire Centers
Founded in Oregon, Les Schwab is a major tire and automotive service company with locations in Hillsboro. While a service provider rather than a vehicle maker, it plays a key role in the region's automotive ecosystem.
Automotive Trends Shaping the Region
Electrification is transforming demand for power electronics, battery management chips and charging infrastructure. Software-defined vehicles require more advanced processors and secure connectivity, which aligns with Silicon Forest expertise. Heavy-duty trucking is moving toward electric and hydrogen powertrains, with regional engineering teams playing an important role. Supply chain resilience has become a priority after chip shortages disrupted vehicle production, encouraging closer collaboration between automakers and semiconductor suppliers.
Choosing Automotive Manufacturing Partners
Companies seeking automotive suppliers should prioritize quality certifications such as IATF 16949, functional safety expertise, long-term supply commitments and traceability. Startups developing electric vehicle components or mobility technology can benefit from Hillsboro's engineering talent pool and testing resources, as well as regional business support networks.
Electric Vehicles in Hillsboro
Oregon has one of the highest electric vehicle adoption rates in the country, and Hillsboro reflects that trend. Charging stations are increasingly common at shopping centers, workplaces and apartment communities, and many residents pair home charging with solar panels. The city's technology workforce tends to be early adopters of new vehicle technology, creating a strong local market for electric cars and related services.
Opportunities for Suppliers and Startups
Hillsboro offers unique advantages for companies developing automotive technology. Engineers with expertise in chip design, embedded software, power electronics and reliability testing are readily available. Regional universities support research in materials and energy storage, and business support organizations help startups connect with investors and customers. Companies that can bridge semiconductor know-how with automotive quality standards are particularly well positioned as vehicles become more electrified and software-driven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cars built in Hillsboro?
Hillsboro does not have a passenger car assembly plant. Instead, it contributes semiconductors, electronics and engineering expertise used throughout the automotive supply chain.
Why are chips so important for modern vehicles?
Chips control engines, batteries, safety systems, displays and connectivity. Electric and driver-assisted vehicles require even more advanced semiconductors than traditional cars.
What automotive careers are available near Hillsboro?
Opportunities include chip design, embedded software, power electronics, testing and validation, heavy truck engineering and vehicle service technology.
Final Thoughts
Hillsboro's contribution to the automotive industry is found in the chips, sensors and engineering that make modern vehicles smarter, safer and cleaner. Together with the region's heavy-duty and transportation manufacturers, the companies listed here show how the Silicon Forest is helping drive the future of mobility.