Second MEMA Policy Breakfast Draws Standing-Room-Only Crowd to Discuss Best Approach to NAFTA Renegotiation
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) hosted a policy panel discussion, “NAFTA and the Automotive Industry: What Will Keep America Competitive?,” on Aug. 9 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Moderated by Bruce Hirsh of Tailwind Global Strategies, former U.S. Trade Representative for Japan, Korea and APEC and former chief international trade counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, the panel tackled tough topics related to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), such as national security, reshoring jobs, tariffs on imported materials, trade deficits and the value of an integrated supply chain.
Attendees included: members of the American, Canadian and Japanese media; associations and corporations within automotive industry; and representatives from government agencies such as the U.S. Trade Representative, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Transportation, National Transportation Safety Board and the Mexican Embassy.
MEMA, which represents the largest sector of manufacturing jobs in the U.S., has taken a leadership role as legislators and trade experts explore the potential impacts of renegotiating or modernizing NAFTA and implementing other critical trade rule changes.
“MEMA has expressed a strong position on NAFTA renegotiations. Motor vehicles suppliers are part of a global industry and are dependent on a world-wide network of suppliers and customers for continued viability and growth,” said MEMA President and CEO Steve Handschuh. “Events like this in Washington, D.C., provide a platform for MEMA to represent our members and help policy makers understand that that great care needs to be taken in renegotiating or modernizing NAFTA.”
The event panelists were:
- John Bozzella, president and CEO, Global Automakers
- Linda Dempsey, vice president, international and economic affairs, National Association of Manufacturers
- Eric Farnsworth, vice president, Council of the Americas
- Charles Uthus, vice president for international policy, American Automotive Policy Council
- Ann Wilson, senior vice president government affairs, MEMA
The event is part of MEMA’s new Policy Breakfast Series, which aims to highlight and explain the complexities of critical issues that affect the motor vehicle supplier industry, such as tax reform, trade policies, workforce development and intellectual property.
MEMA Policy Breakfast participants from left to right: Ann Wilson, senior vice president government affairs, MEMA; Charles Uthus, vice president for international policy, American Automotive Policy Council; Eric Farnsworth, vice president, Council of the Americas; Linda Dempsey, vice president, international and economic affairs, National Association of Manufacturers; John Bozzella, president and CEO, Global Automakers; and Bruce Hirsh of Tailwind Global Strategies, former U.S. Trade Representative for Japan, Korea and APEC and former chief international trade counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance.
About MEMA
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and its four specialized divisions comprise a leading international trade association in the fast-changing mobility industry. Representing vehicle suppliers that manufacture and remanufacture components, technologies, and systems for use in passenger cars and heavy trucks, MEMA serves as a critical bridge between high-tech capabilities in new vehicles –such as autonomous vehicles and vehicle connectivity -- and the “nuts and bolts” of vehicle manufacturing. MEMA works at state, federal, and international levels to ensure that the marketplace and public policy support the development of advanced, transformative technologies that enable safer, smarter, and more efficient vehicles. MEMA’s members are represented through four divisions: Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA) and Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA). For more information on how MEMA is leading transformation in the mobility industry, visit www.mema.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Cindy Sebrell
Vice President, Communications
MEMA
202-658-9487