Gary Shapiro CEO at Consumer Technology Association | Official website
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), along with a coalition of prominent organizations, has sent a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. The letter warns that the United States is at risk of losing its technological edge over China if the federal government does not take action on Autonomous Vehicle (AV) safety and policy recommendations.
The letter was co-signed by several organizations, including the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, American Trucking Associations, and the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, among others. It calls for immediate action from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support policies that promote American leadership in the autonomous vehicle sector.
The coalition emphasizes the benefits of AVs, which include improving public safety, reducing healthcare costs, enhancing mobility for elderly and disabled individuals, strengthening supply chains, lowering emissions, and boosting the economy. They stress that federal government involvement is crucial to ensure a safe and accessible future for AVs through smart and innovative policies.
A key concern expressed in the letter is the potential loss of leadership in the AV industry to China if prompt action is not taken. The coalition outlines specific policy recommendations such as advancing an AV safety framework, asserting federal authority, modernizing safety regulations, authorizing innovative warning technologies, and clarifying interpretations to provide industry certainty.
Gary Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair of CTA, stated: “Without swift federal action, the U.S. risks ceding its leadership in this transformative industry to China.” He added that "this letter underscores a core part of our Innovation Agenda and shows how autonomous vehicles are already enhancing mobility and safety for millions of Americans and revolutionizing the transportation of goods."
About Consumer Technology Association (CTA): CTA is North America’s largest technology trade association representing leading innovators from startups to global brands. It supports more than 18 million American jobs and owns CES – a major tech event worldwide.
