September 5, 2006

LANSING – In a letter to President Bush, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today renewed her call to the president to meet with domestic automobile leaders.  Granholm requested the president meet with the leaders on Friday during his scheduled stop in Detroit.

“Mr. President, I urge you to take some time this Friday to meet with our auto leaders to learn first hand about their efforts and how even a minimal amount of federal attention will help sustain this vital link in America’s manufacturing economy,” Granholm wrote.

Granholm offered to assist in making any expedited arrangements necessary to make the meeting possible.

In July, Granholm sent a letter to the White House calling on the president to stand by his word and meet with Michigan’s automotive leaders.  Since that time, domestic car makers have continued their comprehensive restructuring efforts in the face of unprecedented global challenges. 

Priority issues to the industry include pension and health care legacy costs, and unfair trade practices, such as the theft of intellectual property.  In the face of higher gasoline prices, domestic automakers have also focused on the issue of renewable fuels by announcing plans to produce vehicles equipped to use E-85 ethanol instead of gasoline.

“On behalf of millions of workers and shareholders, our industry leaders remain eager to talk with you about the path to maintaining America’s leadership in automobile manufacturing,” Granholm said in her letter.

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