About
Having worked in the auto industry for decades, we know the technology exists to achieve 35mpgby2020. Nearly five years ago, the National Academy of Sciences reported that automakers had sufficient technology then to meet a 37 mpg standard without changing their fleet makeup or vehicle size or power. Since then, fuel-saving technology has only become more advanced.An increase in fuel economy standards will not only benefit the country as a whole, it will also move the industry forward, create new jobs and boost profitability.
Karen A. Bowen
Karen Bowen started her career in the auto industry as chemical technician. She worked her way through the ranks at Ford, crossing over to management, and becoming a management trainer. She left the company when she decided that she could no longer work for an organization that refused to build autos that met the demands of customers – including higher fuel efficiency. Ms. Bowen now works with individuals, families, and organizations to develop more balanced, harmonic ways of life.
Charles Frank
Charles Frank is president of one of the nation's largest Chevy dealerships -- 'Z' Frank Chevrolet and Kia in Chicago. Chuck has worked in the family business since high school and has been a Chevy dealer since 1982. He has also held franchises for Subaru, VW, Mazda, Oldsmobile, and Hyundai. An avid outdoorsman, Chuck is married and has four children.
Adam Lee
Adam Lee is a third-generation auto dealer whose family owns and operates 11 dealerships in the state of Maine. Adam is the president of Lee Auto Malls, which sells domestic and foreign cars, trucks and SUVs. Lee Auto Malls is the largest Jeep dealer in the state and the top seller of hybrid cars in the state.
Washington State Senator Chris Marr
Prior to his election to the Washington State Senate, Marr served as a regional manager for Ford Motor Company and spent 20 years as the managing partner of the Foothills Auto Group. Additionally, he served on the Washington State Transportation Commission. Marr was elected to represent the 6th district in the state senate in 2006. His leadership roles include serving as majority assistant whip and vice chair of the Senate transportation committee.
Auto Workers of Minnesota, Inc.
Auto Workers of Minnesota, Inc., a newly formed 501(c) 3, is developing a fully electric Ford Ranger capable of driving from the Twin Cities to Chicago on a single charge. The proposed truck will cost about $20 per month to operate, tow a boat on the highway at 70 mph, and be much more energy efficient than a gasoline engine, and be more affordable than the electric vehicles available now. This new organization is committed to producing the truck commercially and doing so in Minnesota, in order to keep their plant open and save jobs in St. Paul, MN. They hope to be leaders in a movement that re-invigorates the American auto industry by building cutting edge vehicles, moving our country toward a sustainable energy future.
Gary Muenzhuber
Gary has worked for 30 years as an automobile worker in parts distribution at General Motors in Minneapolis, MN. Previously, he served in the U.S. Army from 1964-66 in South Korea. He is currently an active member of the Auto Workers of Minnesota and a former UAW member.