Washington, DC - Today, President Barack Obama visited Chrysler and General Motors plants in Detroit and Hamtramck, Michigan, respectively.  Congressman John Dingell (D-MI15) offered the following comments.

“The President said today the automobile industry makes up part of the American spirit and that their sweat helped make the middle class.  He reminded people that doing nothing to save the jobs of the people who work for GM and Chrysler was simply not an option.  Perhaps more importantly, he highlighted how saving the companies and the American auto industry will lead to a better future for all of us.  Because of the President’s leadership, Michigan is prepared to become a worldwide leader in the production of next-generation lithium batteries, which will power the cars of the 21st century. 

“President Obama’s visit to Detroit today demonstrated the Administration’s ongoing interest in ensuring the long-term vitality of the domestic automobile industry.  I am very glad that he was able to see first-hand how Chrysler and General Motors have transformed themselves to become automakers of the future, adding jobs in the United States along the way.  I hope that having seen the most skilled and dedicated workers in the country hard at work, the President will return to Washington with an even stronger commitment to rebuilding the domestic manufacturing sector.

“I thank the President for all he has done to support our automakers but ask that he not let future policy missteps undermine the astounding progress they have already made.  In particular, I hope he will present a re-negotiated trade deal with Korea during November’s G-20 summit that offers the U.S. automobile industry a fair chance at competing in that country.”