Detroit, Mich. – Yesterday, Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives John D. Dingell (D-MI15) attended the 2011 North American International Auto Show at Cobo Hall in Detroit, Michigan.  On prominent display were new vehicles produced by Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors (GM).  Dingell issued the following statement:

“The past few years have been ones of considerable turmoil, particularly for the domestic automobile industry.  In 2008, I advocated for federal support of our automakers – an unpopular position at the time – but that support has borne fruit.  Ford’s fantastically redesigned Explorer, now safer and more fuel efficient than ever, is Motor Trend’s truck of the year.  Motor Trend has also named General Motors’ revolutionary 90 miles-per-gallon Chevrolet Volt its car of the year.  Further, Chrysler has completed a significant milestone in its recovery by signaling its ability to commercially manufacture a new fuel efficient engine, the Fully Integrated Robotized Engine (FIRE), right here in Dundee, Michigan, where the company has already invested $325 million and employs 155 people. 

“The American people’s investment in these companies is paying off.  Not only are Chrysler, Ford, and GM producing safer and more fuel efficient vehicles, but they are doing so right here in the United States and putting Americans back to work.  GM, which had a wildly successful initial public offering (IPO) late last year, has put thousands back to work, for example at its Brownstown facility in my District.  GM is well on its way to pay off the federal government’s investment in it.  Ford announced today its commitment to add 7,000 new people to its workforce over the next two years and is prudently using federal Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing loans to upgrade the very facility in Chicago that produces its brand new, award-winning Explorer.  I expect that Chrysler, which is introducing new models, like the 200 and 300, will continue making progress in its recovery and have its own successful IPO later this year.

“I am proud of our automakers and their workers – the best in the world – as well as their demonstrated commitment to making good on the American taxpayers’ wise investment in them.  It is high time to start betting on Detroit again.” 

# # #