Driving Change: Evaluating Automotive Companies’ Climate Policy Advocacy

This benchmark analysis of the 15 largest U.S. automotive companies finds that while these companies are engaged on U.S. climate policy, they still have room for progress. Ensuring consistency in their lobbying—and in their trade associations’ lobbying—is more important than ever, since climate policy is key to helping the industry compete as the market shifts to clean transportation in the U.S. and abroad. 

The industry has the chance to capitalize on the investment boom in EVs and consumer demand for clean cars and trucks unlocked by policies like the historic Inflation Reduction Act. But to make the most of it, companies must ensure that these and other existing policies are fully implemented, and advance other key legislation and regulations. 

Report Highlights 

• The industry features both leaders, including Ford and GM, and laggards, including PACCAR and Daimler, in advocating for smart, clean transportation policies. 

• U.S. automakers are lobbying for climate policy, but at the very same time, they and their trade associations are undercutting the kind of smart climate policy that is key to the shift to clean transportation and that they've committed to support.   

• While 80% of companies  lobbied either individually or as part of a coalition for Paris-aligned climate policies, the same number also lobbied against these types of policies, including regulations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and fuel economy standards. 

• Ford has set a notable example by exiting the Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) early last year, citing misalignment with the company's climate policies. The EMA has been actively lobbying against EPA's proposed climate regulations for heavy-duty trucks, which further underscores the need for accountability and alignment in the industry.  

• All the companies in this assessment publicly agree with the scientific consensus about risks from climate change and 14 have voiced their support for the Paris Agreement, strongly indicating the sector’s support for a globally coordinated effort to address carbon pollution. PACCAR has not made any public statements in support of the agreement.