“Elaine Chao is a superb choice to lead the Department of Transportation. The combination of her prior Cabinet experience, her specific knowledge of DOT and her extensive policy background makes her a uniquely qualified nominee who can literally hit the ground running.
“We see the next couple of years as a particularly crucial time for mobility and are heartened that the Department will be so ably directed. Big issues await. The traditional regulatory approach is increasingly challenged to keep pace with the rapid rate of innovation in our sector. This is especially true as we move into the era of highly autonomous vehicles. We all have a common interest – and that is maximizing the rate of innovation in the technologies that save lives, avoid crashes and improve fuel economy. A key question the new Secretary will address is how best to make sure these innovations can get to market quickly, safely and affordably.
“We look forward to working with the new Secretary and her team at the Department of Transportation during this consequential time for mobility.”
According to consumer research, our customers want it all — better mileage, cleaner and safer technologies and affordable new vehicles. While we continue urging all stakeholders to work together toward a national program for fuel economy standards, automakers have our own roadmap to move forward while continuing to meet the needs and expectations of consumers.
Our priorities are fourfold
Continue increasing fuel economy — year after year — to provide our customers with more energy-efficient vehicles with greater emissions reductions and the latest safety technologies.
Partner with public/private groups to get more energy-efficient vehicles on our roads via charging/fueling infrastructure, consumer incentives, government fleet sales and car-sharing and ride-sharing programs.
At the same time, continue increasing investments in research & development for more advancements in safety and efficiency.
Do all of this while still keeping new vehicles affordable.