The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) recently issued a statement in conjunction with the European Association of Automotive Suppliers in support of free trade.
“Worldwide, vehicle suppliers lead the way in developing advanced, transformative technologies that enable safer, smarter, and more efficient vehicles, all within a rapidly growing global marketplace,” the statement said. “The vehicle industry is dependent on an integrated worldwide network of suppliers and customers for continued viability and growth. Suppliers need open, free and fair trade for access to raw materials, finished components, and customers. Illegal regional or national subsidies on goods or production, restrictive non-tariff barriers to trade (including testing and marking requirements), and lack of participation in the world market limits both the domestic and global competitiveness of all suppliers.”
The associations encourage the World Trade Organization to modernize its processes and force non-compliant nations to follow international guidelines. They also encourage officials to establish free trade agreements between the United States and the European Union.
The groups said they will advocate for emissions and vehicle-safety regulations within the United Nations’ World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations.
Technology changes will produce a safer, more fuel-efficient vehicle, the statement said, with suppliers dedicating resources to technological development.