CVMA and AAPC Welcomes New Detroit-Windsor Bridge Crossing

TORONTO-WASHINGTON, June 15, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association (CVMA) and the American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC) commends Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood for their leadership by proceeding with a new international crossing for the Windsor- Detroit gateway. Today's announcement will help eliminate the remaining hurdles related to this infrastructure investment and will improve international trade and commerce through this region.

CVMA President Mark Nantais stated: "We have long supported additional international infrastructure capacity in the Windsor-Detroit gateway because it is a critical trade corridor that supports automotive manufacturing and jobs in both Canada and the United States."

AAPC President Matt Blunt added that "The scale of trade in automotive products between the United States and Canada is unequalled anywhere else in the world and the seamless nature of the auto manufacturing industry that straddles our border, requires the necessary infrastructure that this bridge represents."

With the highly integrated automotive industry between Canada and the United States, automotive trade is worth roughly $100 Billion annually, with the majority of production parts and finished vehicles flowing through the Windsor-Detroit gateway. "As a result, the New International Trade Crossing will help make the region more attractive for future jobs and economic growth", said Nantais.  Blunt added that "The new crossing will help boost the competiveness of the North American automotive industry and add 8,000 permanent jobs, according to an independent economic study just completed by the Center for Automotive Research"

Nantais also noted that "this new crossing will finish a much needed uninterrupted link between Ontario's 400 series highways, the future Windsor-Essex Parkway and Michigan's interstates and provides an option that we believe necessary in such a critical trade corridor.  We are hopeful that both governments will proceed toward final design and construction without delay."

AAPC, CVMA and its respective member companies commend the governments for taking a leadership role towards construction of the much needed new international crossing, ensuring the North American economies will benefit from improved border flow.  

About the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association

The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association is the industry association that has represented Canada's leading manufacturers of light and heavy duty motor vehicles for more than 85 years. Its membership includes Chrysler Canada Inc.; Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited; General Motors of Canada Limited; and Navistar Canada, Inc.

About the American Automotive Policy Council

The American Automotive Policy Council, Inc. (AAPC) is a Washington, D.C.- based non-profit trade association that represents the common public policy interests of its member companies: Chrysler Group,LLC, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Company.

For further information:

Mark Nantais 
President 
Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association
416.364.9333 
416.560.4005 
[e-mail]

Governor Matt Blunt
President
American Automotive Policy Council
202.789.0030
[e-mail]