The Association of Global Automakers (Global Automakers) represents international motor vehicle manufacturers, original equipment suppliers, and other automotive-related trade associations. Our members’ market share of both U.S. sales and production is 40 percent and growing. We work with industry leaders, legislators, regulators, and other stakeholders to create the kind of public policy that improves vehicle safety, encourages technological innovation, and protects our planet. Our goal is to foster a competitive environment in which more vehicles are designed and built to enhance Americans’ quality of life.
Single National Greenhouse Gas/Fuel Economy Standards Program
Global Automakers and our members are committed to supporting and participating in the efforts of the White House, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the State of California to develop and maintain a harmonized, single national program to reduce motor vehicles greenhouse gas emissions and increase fuel economy to maximum feasible levels through 2016 and beyond.
A single national approach allows automakers to focus on designing, building, and selling more vehicles with green technologies rather than diverting efforts into building vehicles to meet varying standards. More green technologies on American roads will help the nation meet its environmental goals.
We are working to ensure that the EPA, DOT and California Air Resources Board promulgate appropriate, harmonized standards for MYs 2017-2025 cars and light-duty trucks.
Appropriate Introduction of Higher Blends of Ethanol
Global Automakers and our members support the use of alternative fuels, including ethanol. However, before any new alternative fuel is introduced into the marketplace, we believe comprehensive, independent, and objective scientific testing must be completed to show that the fuel will not increase air pollution, harm engines, or endanger consumers and that there are adequate protections in place to prevent misfueling.
All vehicles on the road today are designed, built, and warranted to operate on gasoline blended with up to 10 percent of ethanol (E10). Any change in the allowable level of ethanol content should be accompanied by an effective consumer education program to warn against the effects of misfueling that can include fuel tank corrosion, increased emissions of pollutants, damage to valves and gaskets, and various performance issues.
Global Automakers has filed two court petitions challenging the EPA’s partial waiver approving the sale of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol (E15) for MY 2001 and newer vehicles currently on the road that are certified and warranted for E10. Global Automakers believes the EPA prematurely granted the partial waiver before critical studies on the effects of E15 use on the legacy fleet have been completed.
Our goal is to ensure new alternative fuels are not placed into commerce until it is proven that they are safe and do not cause harm to vehicles, consumers, or the environment.
Opposing Flex Fuel Vehicle Mandates
Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on gasoline or a blend of gasoline and up to 85 percent ethanol (E85). While FFVs are one important technology for reducing the nation’s reliance on imported petroleum, Global Automakers and our members do not support government mandates of any specific technology or fuel as there is no single solution to meeting the nation’s energy security goals.
Auto manufacturers have been producing and selling FFVs in the U.S. faster than the fueling infrastructure can support them. It does not make sense to mandate a surplus of FFVs at an additional cost of $100 - $300 per vehicle to consumers when drivers will have little or no access to E85 at the fuel pump. We believe that government mandates should be vehicle technology and fuel neutral.
We remain committed to continuing work with the Administration and other stakeholders to ensure our members’ passenger vehicle fleets remain compatible with the nation’s goal of transitioning to greater use of renewable fuels.
Expand Free Trade with the Adoption of KORUS-FTA
Global Automakers and our members long supported the adoption of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Passed by Congress in October 2011, the complex and multifaceted accord establishes clear and predictable rules, avoids stipulating or “managing” trade outcomes, and creates a viable mechanism for handling disputes. Its approval will improve the global competitiveness of automakers in both countries and benefit consumers on both sides of the Pacific.
We advocate for open investment and the removal of trade barriers and applaud Congress for approving the trade pact.
Advocate for Distracted Driving Laws
Global Automakers and our members are taking a holistic approach to automotive safety by addressing both protection and prevention. Driver distraction is the leading cause of vehicle crashes and near-crashes. According to a study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 20 percent of injury crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving.
We believe an important part of vehicle crash prevention is banning drivers from using hand-held devices for texting and using hand-held phones while driving. Our goal is to work with the DOT and other stakeholders to implement a driver distraction program that includes good laws, education, and strong enforcement.
Advancing Safety Technology
Global Automakers and our members have worked with Congress last year on motor vehicle safety legislation that deal with standardizing keyless ignition and brake override systems, mandating event data recorders in passenger vehicles, and establishing sound levels for hybrid cars. The legislative session ended before the safety bill could be enacted, but the DOT is developing proposals for regulations that address the same safety concerns that were included in the motor vehicle safety legislation.
We look forward to working with the DOT as they go through the rulemaking process on these issues.
