Yesterday, the Washington, D.C. Auto Show held its annual “Public Policy Day” to kick off the event, which is a staple in the city each January. The conference started with a discussion by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell of Michigan’s Sixth District and Congressman Bob Latta of Ohio’s Fifth District, moderated by Thomson Reuters correspondent, Dave Shepardson. In addition to panels reflecting multiple industry perspectives, the five-hour program featured a keynote presentation by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy that was moderated by John Bozzella, President & CEO of The Alliance for Automotive Innovation; a closing discussion by NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison that was moderated by Mike Stanton, President and CEO of the National Automobile Dealers Association; and a fireside chat with Department of Energy Under Secretary Alex Fitzsimmons and others.    

The presentations consistently highlighted the importance of Autonomous Vehicle (AV) technologies and the significant opportunity that AVs present to enhancing roadway safety given that the overwhelming majority of motor vehicle accidents are caused by driver error. There was also an emphasis on the importance of centralizing our AV capabilities with U.S. companies; the affordability of new vehicles in the U.S., including the impact that EV mandates have on vehicle cost considerations; and the important role that trade policies have for the automotive industry, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The trade pact includes specific rules regarding tariffs for the movement of automotive products and is set for its first significant review this year.