Detroit 'Big Three' Optimistic About Auto Industry Under Trump
President Donald Trump met with the CEOs of General Motors, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler on Tuesday to discuss the relationship between the automakers and his administration going forward.
President Donald Trump met with the CEOs of General Motors, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler on Tuesday to discuss the relationship between the automakers and his administration going forward.
During the meeting, Trump called for an increase in U.S.-based manufacturing, a reduction of taxes imposed on businesses, and a reduction of “unnecessary regulations,” according to NBC News.
“We’re going to make a very short process. We’re going to either give you your permits or we’re not going to give you your permits, but you’re going to know very quickly. And generally speaking, we’re going to be giving you your permits,” Trump said during the meeting.
After the meeting, GM CEO Mary Barra, Ford CEO Mark Fields, and Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne held a short press conference where they expressed their shared optimism in the future of the automotive sector under the Trump administration.
“As an automotive industry, we employ many people across America good paying jobs. From the people who work in our factory to manufacturers that support our plants with parts, to our wonderful dealers who are literally in every community across America who help sell and service our vehicles. We’re very encouraged in the president and the economic policies he is forwarding,” said Fields during the press conference.
Fields also praised Trump for his decision to withdraw from the Trans Pacific Partnership, adding that the industry has been very vocal in its opposition to the partnership.
Both Barra and Marchionne were in agreement with what he had to say, however, Barra added that, “there’s a huge opportunity working together as an industry with government [to] improve the environment, improve safety, improve the jobs creation and the competitive manufacturing and we’re looking forward to the elements that Mark talked about to be able to do that.”
While Marchionne was mostly silent during the short press conference, he did release a statement afterward. “I appreciate the president’s focus on making the U.S. a great place to do business. We look forward to working with President Trump and members of Congress to strengthen American manufacturing,” he said.
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