RESEARCH TRIANGL PARK, N.C. -- The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) praised the U.S. House of Representatives for its passage of H.R. 3246, the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act yesterday by a vote of 312-144.

MEMA specifically commended Rep. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), the sponsor of the bill, for his work to ensure that suppliers were included in the legislation.

The bill creates an advanced vehicle technology research and development program at the Department of Energy (DOE). DOE will join in public-private partnerships with academia and industry to carry out research and development for light, medium and heavy duty vehicles to develop and produce advanced motor vehicles. The research, development and deployment programs conducted under this bill will improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, support domestic research and manufacturing, and lead to greater consumer choice of vehicle technologies and fuels.

“MEMA congratulates Rep. Peters on yesterday’s vote in the House,” said Bob McKenna, president and CEO of MEMA. “The bill will help suppliers leverage federal research funding and assist in the production of parts and components to meet the needs of a new generation of vehicles.”

McKenna added, “MEMA is poised to work with Representative Peters to move this legislation through the Senate and have it signed into law.”