Automotive Suppliers to Visit Capitol Hill to Showcase Technology, Discuss Key Industry Issues

WASHINGTON, June 6 -- More than 100 representatives of the nation's leading automotive and truck suppliers will convene here Wednesday and Thursday, June 8-9, to speak as the "voice of the industry" in meetings with members of Congress on a wide range of industry policy issues. The group, which will include CEOs and other senior company representatives, will address such issues as the high cost of raw materials, the problem of counterfeit auto parts and the safety advances in supplier technology.

Hosted by the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), the largest and oldest trade association of motor vehicle product manufacturers in North America, the 2005 Legislative Summit comes at a critical time for the industry, according to Ann Wilson, MEMA's vice president of government affairs.

"Many of our members have major challenges that are impacted by legislation and regulation," Wilson said. "With so much at stake, we're hoping their visit to Washington will give them the opportunity to have meaningful discussions of these issues with their elected officials."

In addition to individual meetings on Capitol Hill, the two-day session will feature:

-- A Congressional reception and supplier fair Wednesday evening in the Cannon House Office Building. Nearly 300 people are expected to attend the event which will include more than 20 exhibits demonstrating the latest technology, with a special emphasis on how suppliers make today's vehicles safer.

-- A breakfast meeting Thursday in the Rayburn House Office Building. Rep. Dale E. Kildee (D-Mich.), who will address attendees, is a longtime supporter of auto supplier interests and is chairman of the House Auto Caucus.

-- A luncheon program Thursday at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Capitol Hill during which MEMA will present its annual Joseph M. Magliochetti Industry Champion award to Rep. Michael J. Rogers (R-Mich.).

MEMA (http://www.mema.org/ ) represents more than 700 vehicle product manufacturers with nearly 12,000 U.S. plant locations and 830,000 workers. Together, these companies keep the U.S. auto industry supplied with the components that enable it to produce some 17 million vehicles annually. MEMA members also provide the 214 million vehicles on the road with replacement parts and service.