AUTO SITUATION: 1980. REPORT BY SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRADE
The record number of imported car sales in the first quarter of 1980 is the result of a rapid shift by U.S. consumers from large, relatively inefficient cars to fuel-efficient compacts and subcompacts. The sale of many American models has dropped drastically because of the industry's inability to shift production from large to small cars. The automakers will probably not be able to fill the public's demand for quality fuel-efficient autos until late 1982, until which time the industry and its employees will face difficult times. To help reduce the $8 to $9 billion Japan-U.S. auto trade deficit and auto-related unemployment, considerable effort and some gains have been made in encouraging Japan to purchase auto parts in the U.S.; to make it easier to export U.S. cars to Japan; and to establish auto assembly plants in the U.S. (the major unresolved item). In order to recapture their traditional share of the domestic market through newly designed, fuel-efficient models, U.S. automakers will have to rapidly overcome the public's perception that domestic cars are not fuel-efficient and quality built. A permanent committee, composed of government, industry, labor, and consumers should be established to help prevent and/or adjust to future problem areas in the U.S. auto industry. With the emergence of the "world car" and the resulting worldwide sources of component parts, an international committee on automobile plans and development should be considered.
-
Supplemental Notes:
- 96th Congress, 2nd Session.
-
Corporate Authors:
United States Congress
House Committee on Ways and Means
Washington, DC United States 20510 - Publication Date: 1980
Media Info
- Features: References;
- Pagination: 107 p.
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Automobile industry; Compact automobiles; Demand; Foreign automobiles; Fuel consumption; Problem solving; Quality control
- Uncontrolled Terms: Quality
- Old TRIS Terms: Foreign vehicles; Small car
- Subject Areas: Energy; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00389096
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Report/Paper Numbers: WMCP: 96-61, HS-029 580
- Files: HSL, USDOT
- Created Date: Sep 28 1984 12:00AM