Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger participated in a moderated Q&A discussion with CNBC auto and airline industry reporter Phil LeBeau at the opening session of the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. The Governor of the State of California twittered live from the annual meeting of automotive engineers and executives so that his fellows constituants could follow the discussion as he expressed his State's desire to partner with the struggling auto industry and reiterates the importance of innovation, marketing and technology in order to build a new generation of vehicles that appeal to buyers around the world while reducing environmental pollution.
"These are extraordinarily difficult times for all Americans and particularly for the auto industry but I believe that this moment offers America's automakers the greatest opportunity in their history," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "With billions of people around the globe entering the car market for the first time and seeking energy-efficient but high-performance and stylish cars and trucks, America has an opportunity that exceeds even what the auto industry saw at its initial expansion in the 20th century. This is an opportunity we must not waste, and as the world leader in innovation, design, marketing and technology, California is here to be the auto industry's partner for this new beginning."
California's No.2
It is important to note that California ranks second after Michigan for total automotive jobs in the United States, according to the Center for Automotive Research. In 2008, close to 200,000 Californians employed directly or indirectly by auto industry and related businesses generated over 3 billion US dollars in wages. By comparison, in Michigan a little over 241,000 automotive jobs generated close to 16 billion dollars in wages.
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| California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger talks to the media while getting a closer look at the Hummer H3 ReEV range-extended electric SUV at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress Monday, April 20, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. The Raser Technologies' plug-in Hummer H3 provides 60+ kilometers of all-electric driving and 2,4 liters/100 km fuel economy. |
"These are extraordinarily difficult times for all Americans and particularly for the auto industry but I believe that this moment offers America's automakers the greatest opportunity in their history," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "With billions of people around the globe entering the car market for the first time and seeking energy-efficient but high-performance and stylish cars and trucks, America has an opportunity that exceeds even what the auto industry saw at its initial expansion in the 20th century. This is an opportunity we must not waste, and as the world leader in innovation, design, marketing and technology, California is here to be the auto industry's partner for this new beginning."
California's No.2
It is important to note that California ranks second after Michigan for total automotive jobs in the United States, according to the Center for Automotive Research. In 2008, close to 200,000 Californians employed directly or indirectly by auto industry and related businesses generated over 3 billion US dollars in wages. By comparison, in Michigan a little over 241,000 automotive jobs generated close to 16 billion dollars in wages.
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| California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (second from left) is told about the 2009 Saturn Vue that will be used in the EcoCAR NeXt Challenge at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress Monday, April 20, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. The NeXt Challenge is a competition for teams of collegiate engineering students who must design, build and demonstrate a wide range of advanced automotive technologies that meet standards emulating California Air Resources Board (CARB) zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) requirements. |