Parts suppliers urge House to pass advanced vehicle technology bill
“This legislation is particularly important for suppliers,” said Bob McKenna, MEMA’s president and CEO.
The Trucker News Services
9/15/2009
WASHINGTON – The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) sent a letter yesterday to all members of the U.S. House of Representatives urging passage of H.R. 3246, the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), authorizes and funds Department of Energy (DOE) programs that examine technology solutions to increase a vehicle’s fuel efficiency, reduce its emissions, and improve its safety.
“This legislation is particularly important for suppliers,” said Bob McKenna, MEMA’s president and CEO. “Through these programs, suppliers who partner with DOE will be able to leverage the federal research funding into components and systems that will be necessary for future cutting edge vehicles.”
The letter stated that suppliers currently account for 30 percent of total automotive investment in research and development and continue to take on a greater role in the design, testing, and engineering of new vehicle parts and systems. The letter also stated that according to a recent study, suppliers account for as much as 70 percent of the value-added in the manufacture of motor vehicles.
“The investments made by this legislation will help a wide range of suppliers who are already working on advances for safer and more fuel efficient vehicles,” McKenna continued. “Our members strongly support this bill, and we urge members of Congress to support it as well.”
MEMA represents motor vehicle parts suppliers, the nation’s largest manufacturing sector and the largest manufacturing employer in eight states. These jobs contribute to 3.29 million private sector jobs across the country. Suppliers manufacture the parts and technology used in domestic production of millions of new cars and trucks produced each year, and the aftermarket products necessary to repair and maintain more than 247 million vehicles on the road today.
MEMA supports its members through its three affiliate associations, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), and Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA). For more information on the motor vehicle parts supplier industry, visit www.mema.org.
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