OESA Board Member Testifies On Behalf Of MEMA On Negative Effects Of Proposed Tariffs

OESA Board Member Testifies On Behalf Of MEMA On Negative Effects Of Proposed Tariffs

Michael Haughey, president and CEO of North American Stamping Group, testified Sept. 26 before the Senate Finance Committee during a hearing focused on the impact of Section 232 tariffs on the U.S. automotive industry.

Michael Haughey, president and CEO of North American Stamping Group, testified Sept. 26 before the Senate Finance Committee during a hearing focused on the impact of Section 232 tariffs on the U.S. automotive industry.

The Section 232 investigation into motor vehicles and auto parts was ordered by the Trump administration in May. Haughey spoke on behalf of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) and serves as a board member of MEMA’s Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) division.

“We applaud the administration and the Republican Congress for the tax cuts,” Haughey said in his testimony. “We applaud the administration for the decrease in business regulations we have enjoyed. We applaud the administration for attempting to achieve a level playing field in trade. NAFTA is critical to the success of the North America automotive manufacturers competing on a world market. However, we do not believe any tariffs are the right approach to promote American competitiveness.

“Our industry is in turmoil,” Haughey testified. “Last year, we were on a bridge from the internal combustion engine to the electric car. However, in the past six months we have come off the rails. Our turmoil includes: the administration’s proposed changes on CO2 regulations that are currently unresolved; the administration’s proposed changes on CAFÉ regulations that are currently unresolved; section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs already implemented; other section 232 tariffs proposed; section 301 tariffs proposed; what looks like an inevitable trade war; rising oil prices; rising interest rates; auto manufacturer profits decreasing; electric automobile tax credits expiring; car discount incentives reaching unsustainable levels; and increased forecasting of a recession based on the preceding points.”

Haughey concluded that tariffs could increase vehicle prices by as much as $7,000 and result in 750,000 to 1.25 million American automobile workers losing their jobs.

MEMA also testified at a Commerce Department hearing in July and reiterated that tariffs would cost American jobs and set back the ability for U.S. businesses to compete globally.

“The importation of motor vehicle parts is not a risk to our national security,” said Ann Wilson, MEMA senior vice president of government affairs during the July testimony. “However, the imposition of tariffs is a risk to our economic security, jeopardizing supplier jobs and investments in the United States.

“To put it bluntly, if we lose the opportunity to develop and manufacture new technologies in the U.S., we will have little opportunity to recoup these losses for a decade,” she stated.

You May Also Like

National Auto Body Council Welcomes Empire Auto Parts

Empire operates from 39 locations throughout 24 states in the eastern U.S. with an inventory of more than 48,000 SKUs.

National Auto Body Council Welcomes Empire Auto Parts

The National Auto Body Council Body®  announced Empire Auto Parts has joined the organization as a level two partner. Empire operates from 39 locations throughout 24 states in the eastern U.S. with an inventory of over 48,000 SKUs.

As a level two partner, Empire Auto Parts will work alongside a consortium of collision repair facilities, rental car companies, parts and materials providers, insurance companies, automotive recyclers, salvage companies, towing companies, industry consultants and more to serve communities across the country with programs that help change and save lives every day, according to the NABC.

Auto Care Association Certified as a Great Place to Work

“This prestigious award is a testament to the association’s commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive and dynamic work environment for its employees,” Auto Care said.

Auto Care Great Place to Work
NTEA Installs Jason Ritchey as 60th Board Chair

Ritchey has spent nearly 25 years in the work truck industry, and has served as president and owner of Curry Supply Co. since 2011.

NTEA Board Installs Jason Ritchey as 60th Board Chair
YANG Holds Regional Meetup in Conjunction with CAWA Forum

Sponsored by GB Remanufacturing, the event took place on Feb. 22 at the Silverado Resort & Spa in Napa, California.

YANG Regional Meetup
MEMA Welcomes Susan Pase in Strategic Retainer Agreement

Pase’s expertise spans many areas, including navigating industry trends, formulating strategies and increasing customer engagement.

MEMA Welcomes Susan Pase in Strategic Retainer Agreement

Other Posts

MiX Sponsors Northwood University Student at Vision Conference

“The collaboration between MiX and Northwood exemplifies a strong partnership committed to bridging the gap between industry professionals and emerging talent,” said Nikki Rankin, MiX council lead.

MEMA Applauds the EPA on Light- and Medium-Duty Vehicle Emission Standards

MEMA says the EPA final rule includes an amended and more comprehensive analysis of technological alternatives.

Opposition Grows for California’s Mandate Banning New Gas-Powered Vehicle Sales
MEMA Celebrates 120th Anniversary

MEMA said the milestone “underscores the association’s enduring legacy and its pivotal role in advancing the future of mobility and the interests of vehicle suppliers.”

The Future of MEMA with Bill Long

Bill Long, MEMA president and CEO, outlines a forward-looking strategy focusing on advocacy, sustainability and competitiveness in the evolving automotive landscape, as the association celebrates its 120th anniversary milestone and legacy.

AMN Drivetime Bill Long