WASHINGTON, D.C. — Autos Drive America today testified in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s public hearing on the first joint review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), emphasizing the need for stability, realistic transition timelines, and maintenance of duty-free treatment to support North American automotive competitiveness.
“International automakers have invested heavily in the United States and worked hard to meet the most stringent automotive rules of any agreement,” said Rory Heslington, Vice President of Government Affairs for Autos Drive America. “Those investments depend on predictable trade policies. As the U.S. considers potential adjustments, it’s critical that any changes support ongoing localization efforts rather than impose unrealistic requirements that could undermine affordability and future investment.”
In testimony submitted for the hearing, Autos Drive America underscored that international automakers operate 31 manufacturing facilities across 13 states, employing over 162,000 Americans, with 65% working directly in manufacturing. In 2024, these companies built 4.9 million vehicles in the United States and exported 795,000 vehicles worth an estimated $31 billion to nearly 130 countries.
Autos Drive America, along with peers, called for a careful, industry-informed review before making any further changes to the agreement and emphasized the need to preserve duty-free trade for qualifying vehicles and parts.
In his testimony, Heslignton said, “Since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) became law 30 years ago, international automakers have been committed to maintaining an integrated manufacturing platform and consumer base across North America. In the U.S. alone, [international automakers] have invested more than $124 billion into their operations over the past 60 years, with $32 billion invested since 2019. Any changes [to USMCA] should reward and incentivize the massive investments now underway, rather than set unrealistic targets that cannot be met.”
For a full version of Heslington’s testimony, click here.
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About Autos Drive America
Autos Drive America represents the U.S. operations of international motor vehicle manufacturers integral to America’s workforce, communities, and economy. Autos Drive America’s members collectively produce nearly half the vehicles made in the United States. Together, they have invested $124 billion into their U.S. operations and support more than 2.4 million American jobs. As the voice of international automakers in the United States, Autos Drive America’s mission is to strengthen the U.S. automotive industry by advocating for trade and investment policies that expand jobs, trade, and economic growth in America.
