Today is Public Policy Day at The Washington Auto Show

WASHINGTON--Jan. 26, 2012: "Today, General Motors is back on top as the world's No.1 automaker. Chrysler has grown faster in the U.S. than any major car company. Ford is investing billions in U.S. plants and factories. And together, the entire industry added nearly 160,000 jobs. We bet on American workers. We bet on American ingenuity. And tonight, the American auto industry is back." -- President Obama, State of the Union speech, Jan. 24, 2012

In light of President Obama's emphasis on the resurgence of the automotive industry and his commitment to clean energy, The Washington Auto Show presents a platform to meet with automakers and see first-hand the developments on both fronts, especially where they intersect.

Please see the schedule below for today's remaining preview events for government, industry and media showcasing the innovators and innovations transforming the American auto industry.

Jan. 26: Public Policy Day at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center

12:20 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR)

12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. General Motors (LUNCH)

1:15 p.m. - 1:25 p.m. WAPA Golden Quill Award.

1:35 p.m. - 1:55 p.m. Mazda

2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. 2012 Launch of the Advanced Technology SuperHighway

Government Keynote Address: U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood

2:40 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Fiat

3:05 p.m. - 3:25 p.m. Greenspeed - Boise State U.

3:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Press Conference (TBA)

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sneak Peek Reception

7:00 p.m. Reception Keith Crain/Automotive News Lifetime Achievement Award Tribute

8:00 p.m. Dinner to Roger Penske. Remarks by GM President Mark Reuss.

The 2012 staging of the 70th Washington Auto Show in Washington, DC will offer a showcase of more than 700 vehicles from over 42 domestic and import manufacturers and a special exhibit, "The Advanced Technology SuperHighway." The 2012 Washington Auto Show: "Safety and Sustainability in Motion" opens to the public from Jan. 27-Feb. 5, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and is produced by the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA). Founded in 1917, WANADA represents more than 225 franchised new vehicle dealers and 75 kindred-line members in and around the Capital Beltway, representing the metro area auto market.

For more info:
Barbara Pomerance
800-697-7574