The auto manufacturers send recruiters to various schools. Naturally, schools with solid reputations and are located near major auto engineering/manufacturing facilities can provide a leg up to new graduates. Schools like the Great Lakes universities and places such as Alabama and Clemson have significant ties to regional auto factories. Therefore, I would imagine that places like U Akron (home of the Goodyear Research Center) and Clemson (home of a BMW technology center) send as many if not more graduates into the industry than some “higher profile” schools.