MEMA Responds to Michigan Congressional Delegation; Calls for Support for Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturers

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and its division, the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA), applauds the bipartisan Senate and House delegation from Michigan that has encouraged Trump administration officials to take immediate action to protect motor vehicle parts suppliers.

“Motor vehicle parts manufacturers are the linchpin of U.S. vehicle manufacturing,” the delegation said in a letter addressed to Secretary of the Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin. “No sector has more complex supply chains or provides more direct manufacturing jobs than motor vehicle parts manufacturing. This industry employs over 871,000 people across the United States with over 125,000 jobs in Michigan alone. We write to you today to open a dialogue on providing critical financial assistance to this industry during this time of national crisis. We believe that this can be accomplished under existing CARES Act authority.”

The delegation’s support of the parts supplier industry is the result, in part, of an on-going effort by MEMA and OESA to educate legislators of the important role motor vehicle parts manufacturers play in the U.S. economy. 

“MEMA and OESA have been working with the Michigan delegation to outline our concerns about the liquidity needs in the supply base,” said MEMA President and CEO Bill Long. “The time to act is now, before it is too late. Our members report that many suppliers are close to insolvency. We appreciate the bi-partisan work of the delegation and encourage Secretary Mnuchin to engage with these members immediately.” 

“Motor vehicle parts suppliers play an essential role in the global economy,” said OESA President and CEO Julie Fream. “It is critical for the U.S. to stabilize the complex and vital motor vehicle supply chain to enable vehicle manufacturers to resume production as safely and efficiently as possible.”

The delegation, which includes 14 members of the Senate and the House, agreed that working with Secretary Mnuchin and the Trump administration is important. 

“Ultimately, our shared economic future depends on the industry’s collective ability to ramp up vehicle and parts production,” the letter concludes. “We look forward to discussing this critical issue with you and your team.”

The letter was signed by: Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.); Senator Gary C. Peters (D-Mich.); Representative Fred Upton (R-Mich. 6^th); Representative Daniel T. Kildee (D-Mich. 5^th); Representative Bill Huizenga (R-Mich. 2^nd); Representative Tim Walberg (R-Mich. 7^th); Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Mich. 12^th); Representative Brenda Lawrence (D-Mich. 14^th); Representative John Moolenaar (R-Mich. 4^th); Representative Paul Mitchell (R-Mich. 10^th); Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich. 13^th); Representative Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich. 8^th); Representative Haley Stevens (D-Mich. 11^th); and Representative Andy Levin (D- Mich. 9^th).