Self-driving vehicles will be a major focus for a newly created association.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which was created through the merger of Global Automakers and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, aims to provide a single unified voice for manufacturers and value chain partners who produce 99% of light-duty vehicles sold in the USA.
Former president and CEO of Global Automakers John Bozzella will lead the organization, with advocacy work focusing on creating a safe and transformative path.
Bozzella said, “With deep industry roots and expertise, we will be the voice that advocates for policies supporting our industry’s efforts to develop cleaner, safer and smarter mobility options for the American public.”
Auto makers spent more than US$125bn on R&D in 2018, with nearly 5,000 patents being granted each year in the USA alone.
Bozzella says bringing new technology to market requires legislative action and a regulatory environment that is open to innovation.
“It is critical our organization work to ensure elected officials and regulatory bodies understand how key technological improvements can help improve the health, safety and well-being of our customers, their constituents, and the 10 million workers involved in the auto sector. This combined organization will help guide the industry, bringing new innovations and policies to market,” Bozzella added.
Members of the organization have expressed an interest in recruiting personal mobility and technology companies including new entrants focused on self-driving, electrified and connected vehicles.
Association members have welcomed the move. Mercedes-Benz president and CEO Nicholas Speeks commented, “The Alliance for Automotive Innovation provides our industry with a unified foundation, to formulate, propose and support the policies and guidelines required for emerging technologies.”
President of Mazda North America Jeff Guyton added, “As the auto industry continues developing new models of mobility, having a single, unified voice is crucial to building policies that allow us to get new, innovative technologies to our customers for a brighter, cleaner, and safer future.”
