The United States has always been, at its heart, a pioneering and industrious nation. As the nation has grown and prospered, the automotive manufacturing sector has been an integral component of that growth. Our industry has been a major force behind American industrial might, as well as a leading edge of our economy's advances ininnovation and technology. A thriving auto sector helped position America as a leader in an increasingly competitive global economy.
The American auto industry has experienced a renaissance in recent years, re-emerging as the nation's pre-eminent industrial sector. Automakers and suppliers are America's largest exporters.
We are also among itslargestinvestors in R&D and its largest buyers of steel, aluminum, glass, rubberand semiconductors.
Recognizing the need to be resourceful during hard economic times and reinvent themselves in the wake of challenging market conditions, U.S.automakers have restructured while also introducing new world-classcars and truck models that appeal to a growing universe of customers. Thanks to their hard work, sales are rising.