The Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee has passed a bill aimed at helping parts suppliers and vehicle manufacturers develop, implement and manufacture technology for more fuel efficient cars, trucks, and components.


The Advanced Vehicle Technology Act is a companion bill to legislation championed by Rep. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) that passed the House of Representatives last year. In addition to revamping the research and development vehicle programs at the Department of Energy, the version passed by the Senate also extends the program for passenger vehicle manufacturers to retool their facilities to make more fuel-efficient vehicles to the medium- and heavy-duty sectors and improves the accessibility to the program for suppliers.

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association voiced its support for the legislation.

"MEMA and our members strongly supported this bill when it passed the House last year," said Bob McKenna, MEMA president and CEO. "The research and development and retooling opportunities called for in this bill will allow motor vehicle parts suppliers to produce the highly efficient components and technologies that will be necessary for the next generation of vehicles. It is a great step to expand and strengthen U.S. manufacturing, help increase our nation's energy independence, and keep high-tech development here in the United States."