WASHINGTON — In a letter to the Obama Administration and Congress, the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) outlined several immediate, necessary measures to help restore access to credit and promote technology development in order to ensure a strong domestic motor vehicle parts manufacturing industry. 
In 2009, parts manufacturers have seen 50 reported bankruptcies and an estimated 200 liquidations in the industry. MEMA is calling upon Congress and the Administration to 1) help assure sufficient capital for restructuring, consolidating and diversification, 2) create technology funding programs that support long-term product and manufacturing technology innovation, and 3) pass legislation to expand the lending capacity of the SBA 7(a) program to $5 million.
"Parts manufacturers are the nation’s largest manufacturing sector, and this industry continues to feel the severe, negative effects of bankruptcies and rapid consolidations," said Bob McKenna, MEMA’s president and CEO. "This country needs a strong and stable supply base to promote the financial health of families and communities nationwide. The economic impact of this industry is felt not only by motor vehicle manufacturers but in the millions of other jobs that are dependent on motor vehicle parts manufacturers. The magnitude of the nation’s job loss cannot be rectified without addressing the needs of supplier industry."
McKenna noted the need for more programs that focus on access to credit and the development of new technology. "With parts manufacturers responsible for two-thirds of the value of today’s vehicles and nearly 30 percent of total motor vehicle research and development investment, our industry is helping to lead the way to the next generation of safer, cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles."
"Without access to credit, loans, grants and other programs that promote technology development, domestic parts manufacturing will be severely limited, and products to advance the goal of a new, national green economy will quickly be filled by competitors outside our borders,” McKenna said.
