An auto-industry based sign-on campaign is urging for passage of a 35 mile-per-gallon fuel economy standard by 2020. The Auto Lobby Doesn’t Speak For Us website (http://www.35mpgby2020.com) goes live today to enlist maverick industry workers who believe the domestic auto makers not only can, but must, build more fuel-efficient cars if the industry is to survive.
Breaking ranks with their own automobile industry, Adam Lee, president of Lee Auto Malls in Maine, Gary Muenzhuber, representing Autoworkers of Minnesota, Inc, Chicago-based Chuck Frank, owner of one of the nation’s largest Chevy dealerships and Wisconsin-based Karen Bowen, a former Ford manager, have already signed on.
Third generation autodealer, Adam Lee, who is leading this effort and owns eleven dealerships, makes a personal plea on the website to others whose livelihoods are dependent upon the domestic auto manufacturers.
In his three-minute video clip, he says: "My family has been selling American made cars since 1936. My livelihood and the livelihood of over 350 employees who work for us depend upon the success of the automobile industry. Today that strength is severely compromised by the lack of fuel-efficient cars and trucks customers want to buy… The domestic automakers need higher standards for their and my survival… Without a 35 mile-per-gallon mandate, I’m afraid, global warming and our dependence on foreign oil will continue to get much worse in the long run. And, in the short run, I’m afraid I’ll be stuck with a lot full of cars that no one wants to buy or even worse: This country will no longer have an American auto industry."
The homespun The Auto Lobby Doesn’t Speak For Us campaign includes local and state speaking engagements, blogging to recruit for the sign-on letter to House and Senate leadership, and a trip to the nation’s capitol to talk with legislators.
Chuck Frank, president of Z Frank Chevrolet KIA, said, "It pains me to be at odds with my own industry – but the automakers do not have a good track record of embracing new technology. They have fought laws requiring seat belts, air bags, catalytic converters as well as the original fuel economy (CAFE) standard. But each law spurred Detroit to produce a better product. And each law was important for the public good."
Gary Muenzhuber of AutoWorkers of Minnesota commented, "The technology to make our cars and trucks meet a 35 mile-per-gallon standard is on the road today. If Congress had passed this mandate a decade ago, technology would be much more advanced. If Congress had acted ten years ago, our local Ranger Plant of St Paul Minnesota would not be on chopping block today."
Former Ford manager and principal engineer Karen Bowen said, "Having worked as manager of engineering in Ford’s automotive fuel economy and emissions department for years, I witnessed the company oppose every change while Honda and Toyota just used their talent to make those changes happen. This opposition did not help the company one bit, yet still, they refused to change. The Senate standard is just the challenge that Ford and other American automakers need to finally unleash their considerable talent and become leaders America needs to protect our environment and our industry."
The website provides links to National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and University of Michigan studies on the feasibility and impact of higher fuel economy standards on the auto industry. The website reads: "An increase in fuel economy standards will not only benefit the country as a whole, it will also move the industry forward, create new green jobs and boost profitability."
Others involved in the "The Auto Lobby Doesn’t Speak For Us" campaign include former auto dealer Washington State Senator Chris Marr.
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