WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 3, 2020 – “As the gears of motor vehicle manufacturing ground to a halt, the automotive industry kicked into gear,” the Alliance for Automotive Innovation (Auto Innovators) President and CEO John Bozzella told a Senate Committee today. “Our members did not wait for an invitation – they stepped forward, ready to lend a hand to the national response to this public health crisis.”
The comments came in testimony before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation which convened a hearing with key stakeholders to learn more about the impacts of COVID-19 on our nation’s critical infrastructure and supply chains.
Auto Innovators members continue making contributions to communities across the country as they work to recover from COVID-19’s health and economic impacts. For example, over the past few months, the auto industry has:
- Transitioned complex production systems and supply chains to manufacture personal protective equipment (PPE) and specialized medical equipment,
- Donated millions of meals to those in need,
- Aided community groups by providing contactless self-driving food delivery services for at-risk populations,
- Provided transportation for health care workers and community members; and
- Assisted customers with payment flexibility for existing loans as well as provided preferential financing terms for new vehicle purchases.
“The safety and wellbeing of our communities, team members, and customers continues to be our top concern,” said Bozzella. “It is remarkable, but not surprising, to see the auto industry deploy its resources so quickly to help address challenges that our nation and health care workers face.
Auto Innovators represents 99 percent of cars and light trucks sold in the U.S., as well as original equipment suppliers, technology and other automotive-related companies, and trade associations. These companies, which are accustomed to working together along the automotive supply chain, have used their respective expertise to help tackle the difficulties posed by COVID-19.