Alliance for Automotive Innovation
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI) is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association and lobby group whose members include international car and light duty truck manufacturers that build and sell products in the United States. History A predecessor organization, the Automobile Importers of America (AIA), was formed in 1965 to provide member companies information on changes to U.S. state and federal automotive industry regulations. The AIA evolved into the primary advocacy resource for many major vehicle importers in the 1970s, opposing trade restrictions and other protectionist laws and regulations that adversely impacted its members. The 1973 oil crisis led to increased market share for imported vehicles, which were often more fuel-efficient. In response, Ford Motor Company and the United Auto Workers union accused importers of dumping and unfair trading, and took their claims to trade authorities. The AIA, representing importers, had the case dismissed in 1975, arguing that other factors led to the market share changes. In the 1980s, international automobile companies that were traditionally importers began opening new manufacturing plants in the US, leading to an expansion in the organization's focus. In 1990, the AIA changed its name to the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers (AIAM). In 2011, the AIAM changed its name to the Association of Global Automakers. In 2012, there were 12 member companies, including Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai and Kia. In 2011, member companies employed 81,000 in the US in production facility investments totaling $45 billion. The association stated that its members accounted for 42% of all vehicles sold in the US and 34% of vehicles manufactured in the U.S. from January to September 2011. John Bozzella became the association's president and CEO on April 1, 2014. He was preceded by Michael J. Stanton, who had held the role since 2006. Previously, the association was led by Ralph Millet (1965 to 1977), George Nield (1977 to 1992), Philip A. Hutchinson Jr. (1992 to 2000), and Tim MacCarthy (2000 to 2006). In January 2020, the Association of Global Automakers merged with the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers to become the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. Members of both groups became members of the Alliance, representing nearly every automotive manufacturer selling cars and light duty trucks in the US, including the American "Big Three" (General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler). The AAI also expanded its membership to include suppliers and Startups. Bozzella became the CEO and President of the new organization, with the AAM’s David Schwietert serving as chief policy officer. The AAI provides information to policymakers on key issues affecting the automotive sector and supports related state and national legislation. The AAI reported that in 2018, the automotive industry invested $US 125 billion in R&D and earned more than 5,000 global patents. Members The new organization has expanded its membership to include suppliers, startups and other automotive-related associations. As of August 2023, members included: Aisin Aptiv Autoliv BASF BMW Bosch Cruise Denso Envision AESC Ferrari Ford General Motors Harman Honda Hyundai Infineon Isuzu Jaguar Land Rover Kia LG Luminar Magna Steyr