Political
Motor Vehicle Parts Suppliers Bring Vehicle Technology,
By goHTSN Staff
Oct 3, 2007, 11:26

Washington, DC — Oct 3, 2007 — On Thursday and Friday, October 4-5, the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association and twelve member companies will showcase the latest advanced energy-saving and safety technology for cars, trucks, SUVs and heavy duty vehicles before Members of Congress and the Administration at a Ride & Drive event at RFK Stadium.

Participating companies include Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, BorgWarner Inc., Delphi Corporation, Gates Corp., Gentex Corporation, Magna International of America Inc., Meritor WABCO Vehicle Control Systems, PPG Industries, Robert Bosch LLC, SABIC Innovative Plastics, Valeo Inc. and Webasto Product North America Inc.

Members of Congress, congressional staff, federal agency officials and the media will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel and drive vehicles featuring the latest technology relating to vehicle safety and fuel efficiency, according to Bob McKenna, MEMA president and CEO. "This event gives policymakers the chance to witness the positive impact these technologies have on improving vehicle safety and fuel efficiency."

"The event also gives us the chance to highlight legislation that furthers our industry's objectives," McKenna continued. "MEMA supports targeted tax incentives for the purchase of vehicles with advanced safety technologies to help improve passenger and vehicle safety. We also believe that any fuel economy standard should be technology neutral and address feasibility, cost effectiveness, operational safety and consumer choice."

"With motor vehicle parts suppliers accounting for 40 percent of total automotive research and development investment, we also firmly support congressional efforts to make the current R&D tax credit permanent as well as efforts to strengthen brand protection and counterfeiting laws," McKenna added.

For more information, or to attend the event, please contact Ann McCulloch at 202-494-7988 or amcculloch@mema.org.

MEMA (www.mema.org) represents more than 700 motor vehicle product manufacturers with nearly 12,000 U.S. plant locations and 783,000 workers. Together, these companies keep the U.S. automotive and truck industry supplied with the components that enable it to produce some 17 million vehicles annually and keep the 232 million vehicles on the road with replacement products and services. MEMA supports its members through its three market segment associations: Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) and Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA).