Senate Auto Caucus

Michigan, home of GM, Ford and Chrysler, is the heart of the U.S. automobile industry.  The auto industry is responsible for eight million jobs nationwide or about six percent of private sector jobs.  For every worker directly employed by an automaker, more than six spin-off jobs are created.  Senator Levin has played an active role in promoting the U.S. auto industry through his work as co-chair of the Senate Auto Caucus.  

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.  The Senate Auto Caucus coordinates with the House Auto Caucus on trade and regulatory and safety issues of interest to the industry.

As co-chair of the Senate Auto Caucus, Senator Levin pressed the Obama administration to take strong measures to persuade China, Japan and other trading partners to end the practice of undervaluing their currencies, which makes their exports less expensive and puts U.S. workers and exports at a disadvantage.

He has advocated for China to adhere to the market opening commitments it made when joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), including regarding automotive manufacturers’ ability to fully participate in the Chinese automotive market and to reduce the rampant intellectual property theft that occurs in China.   He also successfully pressed the Obama administration to insist on better market access for U.S.-made vehicles in the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement negotiated by the Bush administration.

For more information on Senator Levin's work on autos, visit the autos issue page.