Michigan, home of the Big-3 automakers, is the heart of the U.S. automobile industry. The auto industry is responsible for 6.6 million jobs nationwide or about five percent of private sector jobs. For every worker directly employed by an automaker, nearly seven spin-off jobs are created. Senator Levin has played an active role in promoting the U.S. auto industry through his work in the Senate Auto Caucus and the Auto Parts Task Force.
The sections below detail some of Senator Levin's efforts.
Senate Auto Caucus
Senator Levin co-chairs the bipartisan Senate Auto Caucus with Senator George Voinovich, R-Ohio. The Senate Auto Caucus provides a forum for senators to exchange ideas and influence policy on issues affecting the U.S. automotive industry. The Senate Auto Caucus sponsors educational briefings for senators and staff on issues such as trade, transportation and advancements in technology.
Initiatives of the Senate Auto Caucus have included letters opposing an increase in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, which would have discriminated against domestic auto manufacturers, calling on the Administration to press Japan to end manipulation of the yen, and introducing a Senate resolution calling on Korea to open its market to U.S. vehicle exports. The Senate Auto Caucus coordinates with the House Auto Caucus on trade, regulatory and safety issues of interest to the industry.
Senate Auto Parts Task Force
Senator Levin and Senator Arlen Specter, R-Penn., serve as co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Auto Parts Task Force. The Senate Auto Parts Task Force has advised the Bush Administration on auto parts trade policy, particularly with Japan and Korea. The Senate Auto Parts Task Force played a key role in reauthorizing the Auto Parts Advisory Committee, the industry sector advisory group on trade in auto parts.
The Auto Parts Task Force sponsors briefings for senators and staff on issues of concern to the U.S. auto parts industry. The task force brings together industry representatives, administration trade negotiators and members of Congress to discuss trade-negotiating strategies. It also coordinates and sends letters to the administration weighing in on U.S. trade policy and urging action on such things as continuing the U.S.-Japan Agreement in Autos and Auto Parts.
Preserving Auto Industry Jobs in Michigan
Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles
Senator Levin helped secure over $127 million in fiscal year 2002 appropriations for the Partnership of a New Generation of Vehicles and its follow on program, FreedomCar, to continue the program's progress on high-risk research to develop clean, highly-efficient automotive technologies. Building on this successful program, Senator Levin spearheaded an effort as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2002 to expand the scope and funding for advanced technology research and development.
Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE)
Senator Levin joined with Senator Kit Bond, R-Mo., and other senators to defeat legislation to increase CAFE standards that would have discriminated against domestic auto manufacturers. Instead, the Senate adopted the Levin-Bond amendment to increase fuel economy, protect the environment, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil and to do it in a way that would not harm our domestic manufacturing industries. The Levin-Bond amendment accomplished these goals by adopting a policy that includes both positive incentives to ensure that advanced technology will be available to meet the goal of increased fuel economy and regulatory requirements to help achieve that goal in a rational manner.
Senate Auto Parts Task Force
As co-chair of the Senate Auto Parts Task Force, Senator Levin has been pressing the Bush administration to take stronger action to open Japanese and Korean markets to U.S. autos and auto parts. The Senate Auto Parts Task Force sponsors briefings for members and staff on issues of interest and concern to the U.S. industry. It also hosts meetings between industry representatives, administration trade negotiators and members of Congress to develop trade-negotiating strategies. It coordinates and sends letters to the Bush administration and others weighing in on U.S. trade policy. It played a key role in reauthorizing the Auto Parts Advisory Committee, the industry sector advisory group on trade in auto parts and in the 1995 U.S.-Japan Framework Agreement in Autos and Auto Parts.
Senate Auto Caucus
As co-chair of the Senate Auto Caucus, Senator Levin has sponsored briefings for members and staff on issues of interest and concern to the U.S. automotive industry. The Senate Auto Caucus coordinates and sends letters to the Bush administration and others on matters of concern to U.S. industry. Initiatives of the Senate Auto Caucus have included letters opposing an increase in the CAFE standards, which would have discriminated against domestic auto manufacturers, and introducing a Senate resolution calling on Korea to open its market to U.S. vehicle exports. The Senate Auto Caucus coordinates with the House Auto Caucus on trade, regulatory and safety issues of interest to the industry.
Working Toward the Auto Industry of the Future
Energy Policy Act of 1992
Senator Levin worked with other senators in 1992 to require the federal government to procure alternative fuel vehicles. Since that time, Senator Levin has worked on an ongoing basis to improve the federal fleet program to ensure that alternative fuels are available for use in these vehicles and expand the program to include advanced technology vehicles.
Federal Government Purchase of Advanced Technology
Vehicles
The Levin-Bond amendment to the Senate-passed Energy Policy Act of 2002 included a new requirement for the federal government to purchase advanced technology vehicles for fleet use, so that the purchasing power of the federal government can be used as a positive force to provide a market for advanced technologies.
Joint Government-Industry Research and Development
Included in the Levin-Bond amendment to the Senate-passed Energy Policy Act of 2002 was an expanded focus on joint research and development on advanced technology between government and the private sector. This expanded R&D; program would ensure that the federal government and industry work together on advanced vehicle technologies, including vehicle engine systems and emission control systems, batteries and power electronics for hybrid vehicles, combustion and after-treatment technologies for use in direct injected gasoline and diesel-fueled vehicles, advanced fuels, and materials, fuel cell technology, and hydrogen fuel storage and infrastructure.
Tax Incentives for Advanced Technology
Senator Levin supported tax credits for electric, hybrid and fuel cell vehicles, and secured an amendment to the Senate-passed Energy Policy Act of 2002, which would have increased the tax credit available for hybrid vehicles and to extend the time period of availability for tax credits and deductions to support development of a hydrogen fuel infrastructure.
National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium
Senator Levin helped secure funding for the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium. These funds will aid 20 member institutions, including Lansing Community College, in the development of training curricula and materials for technicians to service alternative fuels vehicles.
Supported Clean Cities Program
Senator Levin worked with other senators to increase funding in fiscal years 2002 and 2003 for the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities Program to provide grants to promote more widespread use of alternative fuel vehicles.
Forming a Partnership Between the Defense Department
and the Auto Industries
Department of Defense Hybrid Vehicle Purchase
In order to increase the use of hybrid vehicles in federal fleets, Senator Levin authored legislation included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 directing that hybrid vehicles be purchased or leased for light duty truck fleet use beginning in 2005 for fleets not now covered by the Energy Policy Act.
The legislation also directed an increase in the number of alternative fuel or hybrid vehicles for those fleets already covered under EPAct. For those fleets, the number of light duty trucks that are alternative fuel or hybrid vehicles will be increased by five percent in 2005 and 2006; and increased to 10 percent in 2007 and beyond. Taken together, these provisions will increase by approximately 6000-7000 the number of hybrid vehicles in the DOD federal fleet of light duty trucks annually beginning in 2005.
National Automotive Center & Automotive Research
Center
Senator Levin has been instrumental in working with the Army's National Automotive Center (NAC) and the Automotive Research Center (ARC) to encourage partnerships between DOD and the automotive industry. The ARC enables the Army to work with our university system and industry to help bring about the technologies on which our future Army and civilian vehicles will depend.
Senator Levin helped conceive of the idea of the NAC as an innovative way for the Army and government to work with the automotive industry on collaborative R&D; for mutually interesting vehicle technology. He brought together the Army's Tank-Automotive Research Development and Engine Center (TARDEC) and USCAR (Big-3) representatives to explore the idea of collaborative R&D;, and got their approval to take some initial steps, including a tech expo and exploration of possible projects.
In February 1993, Senator Levin initiated and sponsored a "Tech Expo" or Garage Show between the auto industry (USCAR) and government research and development labs (mostly Army and DOD, but including DOE and other agency representatives). Over 100 technology projects chosen by industry were displayed. This was the start of the very constructive relationship between the Big-3 and TARDEC/NAC.
In November 1993, Senator Levin initiated and hosted the TARDEC/NAC blanket CRADA (Cooperative Research and Development Agreement) with the Big-3 automakers. This was a breakthrough in the way CRADAs were negotiated, shaving months off the previous practice and providing an incentive for the Big-3 to enter into such agreements with the Army and TARDEC/NAC because of the streamlined and simplified nature of the process. This blanket CRADA became a model for the rest of the government.
Senator Levin initiated congressional funding for the NAC in fiscal year 1993 and helped sustain support for that funding, including eventual Army agreement to put NAC funds in the budget at annual level of about $19 million.
Senator Levin successfully encouraged the DOD to support the Army's Aluminum Metal Matrix (Al MMC) Composites program at the NAC. This is a program using Silicon Carbide "whiskers" imbedded in aluminum to produce a material that is stronger and more durable than aluminum and lighter than other metals commonly used in Army vehicles. The Army is now testing a new track shoe for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle made with this Al MMC material, and it has many other applications for the military and for the commercial automotive industry. Senator Levin helped provide congressional funding for the program for several years.
Hybrid Truck Research, Development and Testing
Senator Levin accelerated the Commercially-Based Tactical Truck (COMBATT) program, part of the Army's 21st Century Truck program, to provide for expanded research and development, design, and performance and endurance testing, including development of hybrid prototypes and procurement of 18 commercial vehicles.
Road map/Feasibility Study for Future Development
and Production of Hybrids
In the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002, Senator Levin wrote legislation that directed the National Automotive Center to prepare a road map for further development and production of hybrid trucks. The road map will include an assessment of what is required for rapid large-scale production and will include an estimate of funding and time required for completion. The road map will provide the basis for purchase of a fleet of hybrid trucks and could lead to significant production of hybrid trucks for military use.
In the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003, Senator Levin wrote legislation directing DOD to conduct a feasibility study for converting 10 percent of its non-combat fleet to hybrid vehicles by fiscal year 2009 and the feasibility of converting all vehicles over a longer period.
Fuel Cell Vehicle Technology Development
In the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2002, Senator Levin wrote legislation that directed the National Automotive Center to develop a plan, in cooperation with industry and appropriate federal agencies, for a Defense Industry Fuel Cell Partnership focused on developing and expanding the use of fuel cell technology for military vehicles.
Senator Levin wrote legislation in the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2003 for a new cost-shared vehicle fuel cell program at DOD. The program will identify and support technological advances necessary to develop fuel cell technology for use in DOD vehicles. The program will include development of vehicle propulsion technology and fuel cell auxiliary power units as well as pilot demonstration of such technologies. The program will also focus on technology to address hydrogen storage issues and to develop a hydrogen fuel infrastructure. The program is to be carried out in cooperation with industry and other federal agencies.
Specific Funding Levels for Automotive Research
and Development Projects
Senator Levin worked to secure funding for the following automotive research and development projects in fiscal year 2003:
- $17 million for the Army 21st Century
Truck Program
This funding will accelerate advanced, state-of-the-art information
and mobility technologies into the military's land warfare systems,
playing a key role in the transformation of the Army. In addition,
the program will dramatically reduce the fuel use and emissions
of medium and heavy trucks while maintaining or enhancing safety
and performance. The funds will support the efforts at the U.S.
Army's Tank Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) located in
Warren, Michigan.
- $7.5 million for the Army's Hybrid Electrical
Vehicle Program
This funding will assist efforts within the Department of the
Army to develop Electric Hybrid vehicles for use by the Army.
- $5 million for the Hybrid Truck Research,
Development and Testing to Accelerate the Commercially-Based Tactical
Truck (COMBATT) program
The funding for this program, part of the Army's 21st Century
Truck program, will provide for expanded research & development
and design, performance and endurance testing. The funds will
support the development of 18 hybrid prototypes. The funds will
support the efforts at the U.S. Army's Tank Automotive and Armaments
Command (TACOM) located in Warren, Michigan.
- $8 million for the Mobile Parts Hospital
These funds will support the continuation of the Army's effort
to develop a self-contained, mobile manufacturing center that
can produce spare parts for vehicles on the battlefield. The Mobile
Parts Hospital, which is a joint venture between the National
Automotive Center at TACOM and Detroit's Focus:HOPE, will allow
the Army to create replacement parts in the field rather than
requiring them to be shipped into the conflict. Such a tool would
enable vehicles to be repaired more quickly.
- $10 million for the Department of Defense
(DOD) vehicle fuel cell program
The bill authorizes these funds to identify and support technological
advances to develop fuel cell technology for use in DOD vehicles.
The program would include continued development of fuel cell auxiliary
power units and vehicle propulsion technologies as well as pilot
demonstration of such technologies. The program would also focus
on technology needed to address hydrogen storage issues and to
develop a hydrogen fuel infrastructure.
- $1.5 million for advanced coatings research
These funds will assist the Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments
Command's (TACOM) program studying advanced coatings that limit
corrosion on military vehicles. Corrosion is one of the major
factors in the deterioration of legacy weapons systems. This research
would unite TACOM and Eastern Michigan University in trying to
address this problem
- $1.8 million for fastening and joining
research
This funding will assist TACOM's efforts to conduct research into
fastening and joining technology, which is used in Army vehicles.
This program would enable TACOM to work with Oakland University
to address the failure of fasteners, a cost on the Army's legacy
systems.
- $2 million for Rapid Prototyping
The funding for this program would bring TACOM and University
of Michigan Dearborn together to work on developing the rapid
prototyping of vehicle parts.
- $3 million for N-STEP (Network STEP
Enabled Production)
These funds will assist the N-STEP program, which will allow the
Army to develop computerized data files, like many businesses
use, to reduce the cost of maintaining the Army's existing combat
and combat support vehicles. This system works by providing more
timely and accurate delivery of replacement parts for the Army's
equipment. The NAC and the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments
Command (TACOM) in Warren, Michigan has demonstrated a need for
this program.
- $5 million for Project IMPACT (Improved
Materials and Powertrain Architectures for 21st Century Trucks)
These funds will assist the U.S. Army TACOM, in Warren, Michigan,
and the commercial truck industry in developing the 21st Century
Truck Initiative, designed to promote the manufacturing of military
and commercial trucks that are more environmentally compliant
and fuel-efficient. This program will conduct research into lightweight
steels, vehicle weight and cost reduction, corrosion control and
vehicle shape optimization. This effort arose from the successful
partnership between the growing commercial truck sector and the
Army, which operates an extensive truck fleet.
Preserving the History of the Auto Industry in
Michigan
Automobile National Heritage Area
In fiscal year 2002, Senator Levin helped obtain $500,000 for the Automobile National Heritage Area that interprets and preserves the automobile history in Michigan. The fiscal year 2003 appropriations bill also contained $500,000 for the ANHA.
Henry Ford - "America's Transportation"
Museum & Greenfield Village
In fiscal year 2002, Senator Levin helped to secure $2.25 million
for "America's Transportation" Museum & Greenfield Village to develop
an interactive exhibition devoted to the stories of road building,
road use and the impact of the roads on America's development and
culture.
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