NASHVILLE (AP) - Tennessee is, for a fourth consecutive year, ranked No. 1 in automotive manufacturing strength in the nation.

Economic development publication Business Facilities has released its annual ranking, showing Tennessee the top state.

Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty called the ranking "an impressive distinction" and said expansions and relocations by automotive manufacturers like General Motors, Nissan, Volkswagen and Magneti Marelli further solidify the state's position globally.

With the auto plants and those of their suppliers, there are more than 900 automotive plants in the state. In fiscal 2012-2013, 44 automotive projects created 6,662 new jobs in Tennessee and investments totaled close to $1.1 billion.