NAFTA autos regulations to keep Detroit automakers competitive

Stronger automotive content regulations that are coming from NAFTA negotiations are expected to keep North America competitive as a production base and permit General Motors, Ford Motor and Fiat Chrysler to remain competitive internationally, the head of their trade group stated on Thursday.

Matt Blunt, president of the American Automotive Policy Council, informed reporters on a conference call that he was “very encouraged” by the direction of U.S.-Mexico bilateral discussions on North American Free Trade Agreement rules of origin, and that the three domestic firms will be able to fulfill the new regulations over time.

“We certainly reserve the right to see the final details, but we are hopeful that the rule of origin discussion will wrap up in the near future,” Blunt stated. “And based on our understanding of those discussions, it’s something that would permit North America to remain competitive and our companies to be competitive in the worldwide automotive economy.”