The Automotive Industry and the Inland Empire
While Detroit remains synonymous with American automaking, Southern California has long been a center for automotive design, performance parts, and electric vehicle innovation. Many global automakers maintain design studios and North American operations in the region, and a new generation of electric vehicle and commercial vehicle manufacturers has emerged in recent years.
The Inland Empire, including Rialto, plays a crucial role in the automotive supply chain. Distribution centers in the region store and ship auto parts, tires, and accessories nationwide, and the area's freight corridors move vehicles and components from Southern California ports. The Inland Empire also hosts manufacturers of buses, specialty vehicles, and aftermarket parts.
How We Selected These Companies
We considered manufacturing presence in Southern California, innovation, relevance to the Inland Empire economy, and reputation. The list includes vehicle manufacturers, electric vehicle innovators, and performance parts makers.
The Top 10 Automotive Manufacturers Connected to Rialto
1. Karma Automotive
Karma Automotive is a luxury electric vehicle manufacturer headquartered in Irvine, with a manufacturing facility in Moreno Valley in the Inland Empire. Its vehicles emphasize design, craftsmanship, and electrified performance.
2. New Flyer
New Flyer is one of North America's largest bus manufacturers and operates a facility in Ontario, California, near Rialto. It produces battery-electric, fuel cell, and low-emission transit buses for agencies across the country.
3. BYD
BYD operates a manufacturing facility in Lancaster, California, producing battery-electric buses and coaches. Its vehicles are used by transit agencies, universities, and airports throughout the United States.
4. Rivian
Rivian, headquartered in Irvine, designs electric pickup trucks, SUVs, and commercial delivery vans. Its electric delivery vans are increasingly used by logistics operations, including in the Inland Empire.
5. Phoenix Motor
Phoenix Motor, based in Southern California, manufactures medium-duty electric vehicles such as shuttle buses and work trucks, serving commercial and public fleets.
6. Xos
Xos is a Los Angeles-based manufacturer of battery-electric commercial trucks and step vans. Its vehicles help delivery and logistics fleets meet California's zero-emission goals.
7. K and N Engineering
K and N Engineering, headquartered in Riverside, is famous for high-performance air filters, intake systems, and oil filters. Its products are popular with automotive enthusiasts and racing teams worldwide.
8. Edelbrock
Edelbrock is a legendary Southern California performance parts brand known for intake manifolds, carburetors, superchargers, and other aftermarket components for classic and modern vehicles.
9. Toyota
Toyota's Calty Design Research studio in Southern California has shaped many of the brand's most popular vehicles. Toyota also maintains significant parts distribution and logistics operations in the region.
10. Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America is headquartered in Fountain Valley and oversees sales, marketing, and design for the U.S. market. Its growing lineup of electric and hybrid vehicles reflects the industry's shift toward electrification.
Automotive Industry Trends
Electrification is the defining trend in the automotive industry. California's zero-emission vehicle regulations and incentives are encouraging adoption of electric passenger vehicles, buses, and trucks. The logistics sector in the Inland Empire is a major focus for zero-emission trucks, leading to investments in charging infrastructure at warehouses and truck depots.
Other trends include software-defined vehicles, advanced driver assistance systems, and growing demand for battery recycling. Aftermarket and performance parts manufacturers are also adapting products for electric vehicles.
Opportunities for Rialto Businesses
The automotive transition creates opportunities for Rialto businesses in vehicle logistics, parts distribution, fleet maintenance, charging installation, and workforce training. Local colleges and training centers are developing programs in electric vehicle technology and maintenance, preparing workers for new careers.
Rialto's Role in Automotive Logistics
Rialto's distribution centers handle a wide range of automotive products, from replacement parts and tires to accessories and lubricants. Major auto parts retailers and distributors rely on Inland Empire warehouses to stock inventory close to customers across Southern California and the Western United States. This proximity allows repair shops and dealerships to receive parts quickly, often the same or next day.
Vehicle imports arriving through Southern California ports also move through the region by rail and truck. As electric vehicles become more common, logistics facilities are adapting to handle lithium-ion batteries, which require specialized storage, fire safety measures, and handling procedures.
Careers in the Automotive Sector
The automotive industry offers diverse career opportunities for Rialto residents, including automotive technicians, electric vehicle specialists, fleet maintenance managers, parts specialists, and logistics coordinators. Demand for technicians trained in electric and hybrid systems is growing rapidly. Local community colleges and technical schools offer automotive programs that combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience, helping students prepare for certifications and well-paying careers in a changing industry.
Final Thoughts
Southern California's automotive industry is dynamic, innovative, and increasingly electric. The ten companies above illustrate the diversity of automotive manufacturing connected to Rialto, from luxury electric vehicles and transit buses to legendary performance parts. As the industry evolves, Rialto's strategic location ensures it will remain an important part of the automotive supply chain.