AIADA Supports Senate Amendment on CAFE

WASHINGTON, March 7 -- The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) today issued a letter to every U.S. senator, expressing support of the amendment to the Senate energy bill, co-sponsored by Sens. Carl Levin (D-MI) and Christopher Bond (R-MO), which addresses fuel economy legislation. Following are excerpts from that letter:

``The investments of our members and the jobs in their businesses are in jeopardy if unreasonable and unworkable CAFE standards are adopted by the United States Senate. Our members strongly support reasonable and workable efforts to increase energy efficiency and to encourage drivers to buy and drive energy-efficient automobiles and trucks.

``In fact, our members sell some of the most energy-efficient automobiles and trucks in the world. Whether its evolutionary technology, designed to make the existing fleet more efficient, or revolutionary technology such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles, international nameplate manufacturers and dealers have stood at the forefront in bringing high-quality, fuel- efficient vehicles to the American consumer.

``That is why I write today in strong support of the amendment offered by Senators Levin and Bond to strike the current CAFE language from the Senate Energy Bill and replace it with a sensible provision designed to seek rational increases in CAFE via the regulatory process.

``AIADA believes the Bond-Levin amendment is the best vehicle to achieve increased fuel economy without jeopardizing consumer choice and safety. We encourage all Senators to support this amendment.''

About AIADA

AIADA is the lobbying and communications force in Washington, D.C. for the 10,000 American automobile dealerships that sell and service international nameplate brands Acura, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Daewoo, Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Saab, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo. These retailers have a positive economic impact both nationally and in the local communities they serve, providing for nearly 420,000 American jobs. Visit AIADA online at http://www.aiada.org .