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'Summit' of Auto Industry CEOs Brings Policy Priorities to Town

17 June 1998

'Summit' of Auto Industry CEOs Brings Policy Priorities to Town

    WASHINGTON, June 17 -- Senior officials of the largest U.S.
automaker and supplier companies gathered here today to further strengthen
lines of communication with Washington and continue building greater
understanding between the auto industry and the government.  The occasion was
the seventh annual meeting of the Joint Automotive-Supplier Governmental
Action Council (JASGAC), co-chaired in 1998-99 by Ford Motor Company chairman
and CEO Alex Trotman and Joe Gorman, chairman and CEO of TRW.
    "I've been pleased with the success of several of the Council's
initiatives and encouraged by the excellent support of our companies'
Washington representatives and associations," said Trotman.  Added Gorman, "I
believe it's essential to maintain a strong, senior automotive presence with
some of Washington's key policy makers, and through the Council we multiply
our efforts."
    Following the meeting, the Council called for a reduction in gasoline
sulfur levels nationwide.  As Europe and Japan move toward cleaner fuels, it
is crucial for the U.S. to do the same.  U.S. gasoline has the highest sulfur
content of any industrialized nation.  The U.S. should join other nations by
adopting world-class gasoline standards for our world-class vehicles.
    Another issue of importance to the Council is the Asian economic crisis,
particularly the dramatic fall of the yen.  The weak yen is seriously impeding
American export opportunities, threatening the competitiveness of U.S.
automotive parts and vehicle manufacturers.
    A general meeting of JASGAC members at The Willard Hotel this morning was
followed by a luncheon reception for members of Congress in the Russell Caucus
Room.  Senators John McCain and Chuck Hagel, Representative David McIntosh,
and Presidential assistant Todd Stern made remarks and each stimulated an
exchange of views with Council members on a variety of policy matters.
    In later briefings on Capitol Hill today, Council representatives, led by
Gorman and Trotman, emphasized the industry's policy priorities.  They
reiterated their companies' commitments to breakthrough environmental and
safety technology and stressed the importance of light trucks, open markets
and regulatory flexibility.  They also explained the industry's position on
such major issues as the global climate protocol, fuel economy standards, air
quality standards, the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles, and
international economic and trade issues.
    The Council reiterated its call for regulatory reform and its support for
S.981, sponsored by Senators Thompson and Levin, to assure the industry's
competitiveness in the global automotive business.
    The Council was created in 1992 in recognition of the substantial impact
that decisions in Washington can have on automotive companies' customers and
operations.  Vehicle manufacturers and suppliers work together within the
Council to achieve effective representation in the legislative and regulatory
processes.
    The Council comprises the chief executives of 33 automotive suppliers and
the three domestic motor vehicle manufacturers.  Together, U.S. automotive
manufacturers and suppliers represent a major force in the nation's economy,
having a facility presence in each of the 50 states and providing 1.6 million
U.S. jobs.