PUBLIC POLICY AGENDA
Automakers and suppliers are making significant investments in innovation in the United States that will improve safety, reduce emissions, and support American jobs.
Clean, Efficient Vehicles
Automakers are investing billions in vehicle fuel-saving technologies, such as electrification, to transition to a low-carbon transportation future. Regulatory clarity is essential to support this evolution and maintain America’s leadership role in automotive innovation.
- A national, harmonized program will provide results. We support a unified national program that includes California and aligns fuel economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions regulations to achieve year-over-year improvements in efficiency.
- Policies must support innovation. A national GHG and fuel economy program should include flexibility to promote innovation, encourage additional real-world GHG reductions, and support investment in the United States. Congress should support technology-neutral policies that help build a sustainable market for electric vehicles and incentivize consumer choice.
- Electric vehicles. Automakers continue to invest billions in electric vehicles (EVs) – which include plug-in hybrid, battery electric, and fuel cell vehicles. Currently, nearly 70 electric vehicles ranging from cars to SUVs to minivans, economy to luxury are available to consumers. However, electric vehicles only make up roughly 4 percent of new vehicle sales in the United States and still face numerous barriers related to consumer interest and adoption. A suite of complimentary policies is needed at both the state and federal levels – such as purchase incentives, expanded charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure, and fleet purchases—to create a supportive marketplace for increasing EV sales.
Connected And Automated Vehicles
Connected and automated vehicles represent a transformational technology leap that can save lives, enhance mobility, and reduce fuel consumption.
- Regulation must spur, not block, innovation. We support federal leadership, while respecting traditional state authorities, that allow the auto industry to bring the lifesaving benefits of connected and automated vehicles to consumers as quickly as possible.
- Smart investments in infrastructure can make our roads safer, more efficient, and cleaner. Our country must pursue infrastructure investments that support and leverage the significant benefits of vehicle automation, vehicle connectivity, and vehicle electrification. Smart infrastructure investments can support continued technological innovation in the United States and secure the country as a global leader in transportation.