FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    
CONTACT: Cullen Schwarz

Thursday, November 19, 2009    
(202) 225-5802
   

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Gary Peters today again defended Chrysler and its workers against Senator John McCain’s latest assertion that Chrysler will soon fail, this time with the help of objective industry experts.  In a letter sent yesterday to Congressman Gary Peters, whose district is home to Chrysler Group LLC Headquarters in Metro Detroit, Senator John McCain clung to the prediction he made earlier in the week that Chrysler is going to fail.  In yesterday’s letter, Senator McCain suggested that any “objective observer” could not believe that Chrysler will survive.  Congressman Peters today responded to Senator McCain with a hand-delivered letter illustrating that highly regarded, independent, “objective” industry experts believe Chrysler will succeed and offered to arrange a meeting with him and such experts (text of letter and quotes from independent experts below, click here to view a copy). 

In his letter, Peters said, “You may be right in suggesting that I am not a completely objective observer when it comes to the American automobile industry.  I am an unapologetic supporter of our auto companies and the millions of Americans whose livelihoods depend on their continued viability.  Taking you at your word that you are interested in hearing from objective, independent observers, I would like to provide you with the names of some well known auto industry experts whose credibility and objectivity are unquestionable.  I would be happy to arrange for you to meet with any of these individuals at your convenience.”  Congressman Peters suggested that the best venue for this meeting may be the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January so he can see quality American made vehicles firsthand.

While serving as grand marshal of a NASCAR race in Arizona last weekend, Senator McCain said “anybody believes that Chrysler is going to survive, I'd like to meet them.”  Tuesday Congressman Peters sent Senator McCain a letter accepting his offer, saying that he believes in Chrysler and would meet with him anytime discuss the future of Chrysler and the contribution the company makes to our nation’s economy, and invited him to Michigan to meet with thousands of Chrysler employees who believe in the company and are working hard toward its continued success.  Senator McCain’s initial response appears to decline Congressman Peters’ invitation because he does not believe he is an “objective observer.”  No word yet whether Mr. McCain will meet with objective industry experts.

The text of Congressman Peters’ latest letter to Sen. McCain, with quotes from industry experts, is below.  The letter was faxed and hand delivered to John McCain’s Senate office.

Click here to view a copy of Congressman Peters’ latest letter.

Click here to view a copy of Sen. McCain’s letter to Congressman Peters.

Click here to view a copy of Congressman Peters’ initial letter.




November 19, 2009

Senator John McCain
241 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator McCain,

    Thank you for your recent letter clarifying your remarks regarding the future of Chrysler, and for your kind words regarding the people of Michigan.  You may be right in suggesting that I am not a completely objective observer when it comes to the American automobile industry.  I am an unapologetic supporter of our auto companies and the millions of Americans whose livelihoods depend on their continued viability.  Taking you at your word that you are interested in hearing from objective, independent observers, I would like to provide you with the names of some well known auto industry experts whose credibility and objectivity are unquestionable. 

    Mike Jackson is the Chairman and CEO of AutoNation, the country’s largest automobile retailer.  Mr. Jackson has responded positively to Chrysler’s new business plan and has expressed an interest in acquiring additional Chrysler dealerships.  Earlier this month Mr. Jackson appeared on CNBC and said, “My clear assessment is (Chrysler) will (survive) … they will make it.”

    John McElroy is a widely respected automotive journalist, appearing in numerous print and broadcast sources.  He recently stated, “Before going into Chrysler’s media briefing yesterday I wasn’t sure if the company was really going to be able to survive. Now that I’ve seen their five-year plan I think they have a reasonable chance of making it.”

    David Cole is the Chairman of the Center for Automotive Research, a nonprofit organization widely respected for its analysis and observation of the auto industry.  In a recent television appearance Mr. Cole said, “[M]y own conclusion is that GM, and Chrysler/Fiat, Ford I think are going to be around for a long time.”

    I would be happy to arrange for you to meet with any of these individuals at your convenience.  Better yet, I would like to extend to you an invitation to attend the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 11th through the 15th so that you can see first hand the world class cars and trucks being offered by America’s automobile manufacturers.  I extend this invitation with the utmost sincerity and with the hope that we can work together to help build a better future for our country.