Washington, D.C. -  U.S. Representative John Dingell attended the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, this week and welcomed a significant delegation from President Obama's cabinet.

“This year’s show showcased  why our domestic auto industry is thriving and leading the global auto market,” said Dingell.  “It’s because our automakers are making the vehicles consumers want and investing in the future to stay competitive.  There’s a welcome sense of optimism at the Auto Show, and I'm confident this upbeat streak is going to stay.  It is a great time for Michigan and America's auto industry.”

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Deputy Secretary John Porcari, Administrator David Strickland of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,  and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson all came to the show on Monday.  On Tuesday, Commerce Secretary John Bryson and Energy Secretary Steven Chu were in attendance.  In attendance both days was Jay Williams, Director of the Office Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers.  Dingell and Administration officials met with executives and engineers at the ‘Big 3’ to view the latest cars and auto technology and discuss how the American taxpayer investment is working.  Cabinet officials were invited by Congressman Dingell and the Michigan Democratic Delegation.

“I was proud to show them around such a great display of true American innovation, technology, and craftsmanship,” said Dingell.  “The Administration witnessed firsthand how America’s investment in the auto industry is truly paying off not only for the American economy and job creation, but also for American families.  It demonstrates how successful our country can be when all of us, in both public and private sectors, work together.”

On Monday, Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Representative Hansen Clarke (D-MI13) joined Dingell, LaHood, and Jackson at a Ride and Drive event and floor tour.  The officials were able to drive or ride in the most energy efficient American automobiles on the road today.  Dingell rode in an all-electric, all-American made Jeep Grand Cherokee that has zero emissions.  On Tuesday, a round-table breakfast was held with Dingell, members of the Michigan Congressional delegation and Commerce Secretary Bryson to discuss the investment, the Michigan economy, and jobs.  Afterwards, the group toured the show and met with GM CEO Dan Akerson, Ford Chairman Bill Ford, and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne.  This morning Dingell accompanied Secretary Chu for his speech to the Detroit Economic Club.  Chu spoke to local leaders about the importance of manufacturing and leading the world in high tech energy efficient autos.

###