On Monday, Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representative Gary Peters (D-CA) announced their intention to introduce legislation that would impose a tax on imports, such as steel and aluminum based on their carbon content, with the intent of penalizing polluters and incentivizing domestic production. It’s unclear whether the administration will endorse the proposal, though they have indicated support of the idea of a carbon border adjustment in the past. Whether or not the plan would comply with World Trade Organization rules is also in question. The European Union (EU) also recently introduced its own carbon border adjustment plan.
Chip Shortage
Also this week, a group of 20 tech, auto, medical, defense and other business and labor groups sent a letter to Congress urging funding for the “Creating Helpful Incentives for the Production of Semiconductors” (CHIPS) for America Act. The letter’s signatories included the American Automotive Policy Council, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Autos Drive America, the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, and the United Auto Workers. The letter came as U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in an interview that she sees progress in the global semiconductor shortage.
ICYMI
In the latest installment from Dealers Make An Impact, Howard Hakes, President of Hitchcock Automotive Resources, sits down with AIADA President & CEO Cody Lusk to discuss his role as Chairman of AFIT-PAC, why free trade is critical for the auto industry, and the importance of dealer involvement.
Dealers Make An Impact is an effort to encourage dealers, dealership employees, and industry partners to engage with Congress to show how Dealers Make An Impact on their communities, and how, even without flying in to DC, dealers can make an impact on decisions in Washington right from their dealership floor.
CALL TO ACTION: EVs
Proposed Senate legislation would add an additional $2,500 in tax credits for cars built in the U.S., and another $2,500 for cars built in the U.S. at facilities represented by unionized labor. Favoring union-built vehicles over other vehicles built in the U.S. has no value to the environment, and the motivation behind such an incentive can be nothing less than political favoritism. AIADA Chairman Steve Gates issued a call to action urging dealers to contact their Members of Congress and tell them to oppose this un-American proposal. If you haven’t already, take action today!
Quote of the Week
“You’re starting to see some improvements…[auto manufacturers] are starting to get a little bit more of what they need.”
-Gina Raimondo, U.S. Secretary of Commerce (Automotive News)
Friday Feel Good
Here are just a few recent examples of how the international nameplate auto industry is doing good in communities across the U.S.:
Subaru of Keene in New Hampshire joined the SwampBats game for its Chamber Night and to present The Community Kitchen of Keene with a check for $46,739. The funds were the result of the dealership’s 29th Annual Fenton Family Golf Tournament held in June.
Jim Ellis Mazda Marietta in Georgia announced the launch of its Essential Car Care program — an initiative that offers educators free standard oil changes at its service center now through August 31, for most makes and models. In addition to the free standard oil change, teachers, teaching assistants, professors, administrators, coaches and school support staff can also receive a car wash with interior cleaning and a vehicle inspection.
Audi Albuquerque, Mercedes-Benz of Albuquerque, and Porsche Albuquerque in New Mexico held their annual golf tournament fundraiser which raised more than $112,000 for Safe House New Mexico, Mandy’s Farm, and Community for Learning.
We want to hear more about how you are supporting your local community – tweet us at @AIADA_News and use the hashtag #DealersDoGood.
