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Automotive Congress to Be Held in Washington, D.C. May 22-23

11 May 2000

Automotive Congress to Be Held in Washington, D.C. May 22-23

    ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 11 Automobile dealers from across the
country will descend on Washington, D.C., May 22-23 for the 23rd annual
Automotive Congress, the largest grassroots lobbying event in the automotive
industry.  Sponsored by the American International Automobile Dealers
Association (AIADA), the Automotive Congress will bring together nearly 600
dealers and industry executives for two days of issues briefings, workshops
and speeches by political and industry leaders, culminating with meetings with
members of Congress.   The JW Marriott Hotel serves as the headquarters for
the event.

    Featured speakers at this year's Automotive Congress include:
    *  Sen. Fred Thompson (R-TN)
    *  Nationally-syndicated columnist George Will
    *  Futurist and economic expert Dr. Lowell Catlett
    *  AIADA Chairman Barbara Vidmar
    *  Rep. Jennifer Dunn (R-WA)
    *  Sen. Wayne Allard (R-CO)
    *  Former representative from New York Bill Paxon
    *  Top journalists from Newsweek and The Washington Post in a lively panel
        discussion on politics and the auto industry
    *  Legendary comedian Jonathan Winters as the entertainment at the All
        Star Dealer Awards Gala, where eight auto retailers will be honored
        for outstanding community service contributions

    Top issues to be addressed at the Automotive Congress include: repeal of
the estate tax, a freeze on Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) for light
trucks, and support for trade and the benefits it provides.
    "Our timing couldn't be better.  During AIADA's Automotive Congress, auto
dealers will meet with their members of Congress at a very important point in
the legislative process for three of our top issues.  We have a unique
opportunity to send a strong message concerning the elimination of the death
tax, support for trade and freezing CAFE," said AIADA President Walter E.
Huizenga.
    On Tuesday, May 23, AIADA members will join other family-owned business
groups in urging Congress to eliminate estate taxes during the Death Tax
Summit on Capitol Hill.  A vote on estate tax repeal is expected in June.
    The House of Representatives has scheduled floor votes on May 24 and 25
regarding granting China Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) and CAFE,
respectively.  AIADA opposes increasing the CAFE standards for light trucks
because of the negative impact it would have on consumer choice in the
marketplace.  As an organization dedicated to trade and the benefits it
provides, AIADA supports China PNTR.
    For AIADA position papers on these issues or for more information
regarding the Automotive Congress, call 1-800-GO-AIADA.