NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A national publication ranks Tennessee No. 1 in automotive manufacturing strength for the third straight year.

Business Facilities' July/August issue cited the state for economic growth potential, job growth, business and education climate, transportation infrastructure, data center hubs and other factors.

In a statement issued through the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Business Facilities editor-in-chief Jack Rogers said the state's assembly lines and supplier networks continue to get bigger and better. He said Volkswagen is ramping up production at its new plant in Chattanooga, Nissan is rolling out the all-electric Leaf in Smyrna and General Motors has given a new mission to the former Saturn plant in Spring Hill.

Bill Hagerty, commissioner of the department, said Tennessee is the country's "most compelling location for business expansions and relocations."