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Alliance Commits to Focus on International Harmonization

31 May 2000

Alliance Commits to Focus on International Harmonization

    WASHINGTON, May 31 The following statement was made by
Josephine S. Cooper, President, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers,
regarding the Alliance's increased commitment to advance international
harmonization:

    "This month, the Alliance Board of Directors has established international
harmonization of environmental and vehicle safety standards as one of the
Alliance's fundamental priorities.  This means that around the globe, the
Alliance is committed to advancing environmental protection and vehicle safety
to optimal levels.  This effort will require extensive dialogue, analyses, and
cooperation between industry and governments globally.
    "On May 23, the Alliance presented a resolution from its Board of
Directors in support of international harmonization to the Executive Council
of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles (OICA), the
international association of automobile manufacturers.  OICA's membership is
comprised of national trade associations representing the major automobile
manufacturing countries of Europe, America and Asia.  The Alliance is a member
of OICA, which shares our view of the importance of global harmonization, and
we look forward to working with them to further this goal.
    "The Alliance commits the necessary resources to work on a multinational
basis to achieve international harmonization that will eliminate differences
in environmental and vehicle safety regulations and the attendant
certification and compliance procedures.  The Alliance encourages governments
to commit the resources necessary to achieve international harmonization that
will eliminate differences in environmental and vehicle safety regulations and
their attendant certification and compliance procedures.
    "Compliance with diverse national and regional environmental and vehicle
safety standards imposes engineering, design, and manufacturing constraints
that result in inefficiencies, cost penalties, reduced vehicle affordability,
and reduced consumer choice.  Diverse and competing vehicle requirements
diminish the potential to achieve societal objectives in the environmental and
vehicle safety fields as well as delaying the potential to raise standards of
living."

    The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is a coalition of 13 car and
light truck manufacturers.  Alliance member companies have approximately
600,000 employees in the United States, with more than 250 facilities in 35
states.  Alliance members represent more than 90 percent of U.S. vehicle
sales.  For more information, visit the Alliance website at
http://www.autoalliance.org.