The Engine of Democracy, a coalition of auto suppliers, dealers and others representing six million workers across the country, staged a rally near the steps of the U.S. Capitol on December 5 demanding that Congress take swift action to provide a federal bridge loan for the domestic auto industry. Fifty-one workers either directly or indirectly employed by the auto industry gathered in Washington to represent the nationwide impact of this essential industry. Each worker wore a red-white-and-blue sports jersey with the number of auto-related jobs at risk in each state and the District of Columbia emblazoned on the front.
"With six million supplier, dealer and related jobs at risk nationwide, failure of the domestic auto industry is not an option," said Timothy D. Leuliette, president and CEO of Dura Automotive Systems Inc. "In addition to the 'Big Three' auto companies, countless supporting companies drive good jobs in local economies all across the nation. These are hard working men and women struggling to support their families and communities in the midst of this global economic crisis. Congress must act now to support a bridge loan – not a bailout – for America's auto industry."
Given the urgency of the situation and the need to “counter misinformation about the vital role the domestic auto industry plays in the U.S. economy,” The Engine of Democracy coalition was formed to give voice to the six million people whose jobs are directly or indirectly tied to the health and vitality of domestic automakers. The interactive Web site, www.TheEngineofDemocracy.com, launched on December 1.
"The American auto industry has long been our nation's engine of democracy. In World War II, it turned on a dime and became what President Roosevelt called 'The Arsenal of Democracy.' After September 11, automakers responded by slashing prices and loan rates to jump-start a needed economic rebound. With the global economic crisis, now is the time for the government to help automakers help the American economy," said Carl Galeana, who owns several new car dealerships across the country.
America's car companies play a crucial role in the nation's economic engine. Almost 4 percent of U.S. gross domestic product is auto-related, and vehicle manufacturing represents 10 percent of U.S. industrial production by value. According to The Automotive Trade Policy Council, the U.S. auto industry invests $10 billion in this country in plants and equipment each year. In addition, the U.S.-based auto industry is second only to the semiconductor industry in R&D spending – $12 billion last year alone.
"If Congress does not take swift action to prevent the collapse of our domestic auto industry, the already hard hit automotive Midwest will be ground zero, but the economic fallout will instantly spread through local economies all across the country," said Neil DeKoker, president of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association.