[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 18, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1011]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       THE FORMATION OF THE ALLIANCE OF AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 18, 1999

  Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, as the co-chairs of the Congressional 
Automobile Caucus, we rise to recognize the newly formed Alliance of 
Automobile Manufacturers on the occasion of the inaugural meeting of 
its Board of Directors.
  In Washington today, we hear a lot about reinvention. The Alliance is 
a perfect example of a major industry ``reinventing'' itself to reflect 
new world realities. The American auto industry has undergone a 
remarkable transformation in the past few years with the mergers and 
alliances between U.S. manufacturers and manufacturers around the 
globe. While its predecessor organization was composed of solely U.S. 
companies, the new Alliance embodies the global market place, with 10 
member companies from around the globe.
  The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, an international coalition 
of car and light truck manufacturers, was formed this past January. The 
member companies include BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Ford, General 
Motors, Mazda Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagon, and Volvo. The new trade 
association created by this powerful Alliance of automobile 
manufacturers promises to be an organization that is nimble enough to 
respond to rapidly changing issues that reach across the ever-shrinking 
global marketplace.
  Members of the Alliance have gone on the public record as committed 
to developing constructive approaches. Moreover, the Alliance pledges 
to work with government and other stakeholders to find sensible and 
effective solutions to shared concerns. We have already witnessed this 
constructive approach to issues. On May 1, President Clinton unveiled 
EPA's proposed ``Tier 2'' standards to reduce vehicle emissions and 
sulfur content in fuel. Prior to this announcement, the Alliance had 
called for reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions and sulfur-free fuel 
to provide cleaner cars and cleaner air. EPA's proposal and the 
Alliance are similar. The Alliance generally supports the clean air 
targets that EPA has proposed, including cars and trucks meeting the 
same average standards for nitrogen oxides.
  The Alliance companies operate 255 manufacturing facilities in 33 
states. They produce more than 90% of all new vehicles sold each year 
in the United States.
  The Alliance stands ready to provide its views and comments on 
automotive concerns to Members of Congress as we debate issues of 
importance to the industry and consumers. It has a dedicated staff of 
professionals, led by Josephine Cooper, who have a long record of 
experience and knowledge of automobile issues.
  A key component to developing good public policy is having an open 
dialogue with groups impacted by our decisions. We are confident that 
the Alliance and its member companies will play a vital role in 
developing creative and constructive solutions to the issues before the 
Congress.

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