Washington Auto Show Brings Industry and Federal Policy Makers Together

Washington DC January 25, 2006; The AIADA newsletter reported that while the Detroit Auto Show rules all shows in vehicle introductions and the show in New York draws industry trackers from Wall Street, the Washington Auto Show, which opened this week, is particularly focused on showcasing the auto industry before Congress, reported The Washington Post.

Beginning at 6:00 p.m. EST tonight, Members of Congress, civic, diplomatic and regulatory leaders will unite with automakers during the annual Congressional Gala, benefiting family and children’s charities from D.C., Maryland and Virginia. What’s more, many of 500 vehicles introduced at the auto show reflect the industry’s reaction to federal policies and regulations.

Just yesterday, Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman announced $119 million in research grants to spur development of hydrogen-powered vehicles. In addition, Bodman said that the Bush administration “is concerned about job losses in the automotive sector and that investing in technologies of the future will help create jobs.”

The Washington Auto Show runs through Sunday at the Washington Convention Center.