Pelosi Applauds Detroit Turnaround, Confirms 2011 NAIAS Attendance

Nancy Pelosi was one of the American politicians that stepped in front of the media and repeatedly emphasized back in 2009 that the US auto industry needs a major shake-up, encouraging carmakers to make major sacrifices in order to stay in business. The domestic auto sector did make the sacrifices, as General Motors and Chrysler stepped under Chapter 11 protection and fired thousands of people, so Pelosi remains one of the figures that supported the industry's recovery, in one way or another. Pelosi confirmed yesterday that she will attend the 2011 North American International Auto Show that opens its doors on Monday and emphasized once again that local carmakers did well in their restructuring processes. "A strong American manufacturing base is essential to our national security and competitiveness, and when we make it in America, our workers have a chance to make it in America," Pelosi said. "Detroit is at the center of our efforts to create the jobs of the future, grow a clean, green economy, and strengthen our economy. That is why I will be proud to once again attend, at the invitation of the Dean of the House, Congressman John Dingell, the North American International Auto Show." All three major US carmakers are posting profits for the first time since 2004 and went through significant restructuring processes that closed the doors of numerous production facilities and fired thousands. Now that the industry is showing significant signs of recovery, the auto industry has added around 76,000 jobs and more are to be hired if the US growth continues this year. "I am proud that Speaker Pelosi will once again come to Michigan to see first-hand the progress made by the working men and women of the American auto industry," Congressman John Dingell said. "Just look at the progress these companies are making – sales are up, they are hiring American workers and those workers are building the most fuel efficient and safest automobiles in the world." autoevolution will be attending the 2011 North American International Auto Show, so stay tuned for some real up close and personal shots of the vehicles, as well as for first-hand details of the motorized contraptions.