AIADA: 'We Must Send A Message To Autoterrorists'

American International Auto Dealers Commend Congressman Chris Chocola For Legislation Making Automobile Sabotage a Federal Crime

ALEXANDRIA, Oct. 27 -- American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) Chairman Tim Smith today positioned his 10,000- member association squarely behind Rep. Chris Chocola (IN-02), in response to legislation introduced by the first-term Congressman making it a federal offense to commit what the AIADA describes as "autoterrorism."

"People who target automobile owners with arson and vandalism are nothing more than terrorists, and when they are caught, they should be punished in the same way that other terrorists are punished," commented AIADA Chairman Tim Smith. "Autoterrorists employ the same tactics used by common terrorists -- fear and intimidation -- to achieve a political end. We must send a clear message to these extremists that malicious destruction of property is unacceptable, and if you are caught, the consequences will be severe."

Smith made his comments today even as international automobile dealers in Chocola's congressional district expressed an interest in working with the Congressman to help advance the legislation. Chocola's bill, the "Stop Terrorism of Property Act of 2003" (HR 3307), was introduced in the House of Representatives with 42 co-sponsors on October 16.

"Automobile dealers carry millions of dollars worth of inventory, and terrorism targeting this inventory drives up the cost of business," commented Bill Gates of Gates Toyota in South Bend, a local AIADA member who strongly supports Chocola's legislation. "Autoterrorism places an undue burden on small businesses, and that burden invariably falls on both our employees and our customers."

The bill was drafted primarily in response to terrorist actions committed by the group Earth Liberation Front (ELF). ELF has claimed responsibility for scores of crimes against public and private property including several attacks against automobile dealerships; its destruction of property can be measured in millions of dollars. ELF's extremism prompted a House Resolution (H.Con.Res. 126) in March in which Congress condemned the group for destruction of property and endangerment of human life.

"Autoterrorists undermine the physical security of American families and businesses, and unless and until we raise the stakes against these militants, they will continue to conduct business as usual," added Smith. "AIADA commends Rep. Chocola for his efforts, and we will do everything possible to ensure that this common-sense legislation is enacted."

About AIADA:

Founded in 1970, AIADA represents the 10,000 American automobile dealerships that sell and service international nameplate brands including Acura, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Maserati, Maybach, Mazda, Mercedes, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Saab, Scion, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo. These retailers have a positive economic impact both nationally and in the local communities they serve, providing nearly 500,000 American jobs. Visit AIADA online at www.aiada.org.