Today, U.S. Representative Gary Peters, Co-Chair of the Congressional Auto Caucus, toured the exhibits of General Motors, Ford and Chrysler at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Rep. Peters also met with executives from GM, Ford and Chrysler. During the press preview, Rep. Peters praised American auto manufacturers and suppliers on their success over the last five years:
Peters said, "With U.S. autos having their best sales record in years and Michigan workers helping to build cars that can compete against any in the world, it is incredible to imagine that just five years ago, our economy and the auto industry were on the brink of collapse. The resurgence and success of the U.S. auto industry is a testament to the resiliency of Michigan workers and the passion we have for innovation.
In 2013, American auto companies posted their highest sales since 2007. Today, automakers employ 300,000 more people in direct auto manufacturing jobs than they did in 2009. Automakers directly employ 1.7 million people, and the auto industry as a whole supports over 8 million Americans and their families.
"It has been an honor to have both the Chrysler and GM world headquarters in my district, and the ingenuity and innovation displayed at this year's auto show is evidence that American workers and engineers are the best in the world. I was proud to join the big three auto manufacturers to kick off the NAIAS here at Cobo Hall in my district and continue to believe that with smart investments, American manufacturing can create jobs and continue to be the engine of our economic success. I will continue to fight for American autos, American jobs and our middle class."
As Co-Chair of the Congressional Auto Caucus and a member of the House Financial Services Committee, Rep. Peters was instrumental in securing the government loans needed to restructure GM and Chrysler in 2009. The restructuring of GM alone, saved 1.5 million U.S. jobs.