What is this AALA Everyone is Talking About?

General Motors, you are not above the law. 

If you’ve read the news this week, you know that the Made in the USA Foundation is charging General Motors with violating the American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA). To make a long story short, GM decided that the law doesn’t apply to them.  The U.S. automaker stripped auto-show display vehicles of country of origin labels. This way, auto-show consumers would have no idea that the latest GM vehicles were manufactured off-shore.

This brings me to the AALA.  Many consumers are unaware of the AALA, but are surrounded by its benefits on a daily basis. Have you ever noticed the sticker on your car window that says where your car was manufactured? That is because of the AALA. The AALA requires new cars to provide information on the window sticker, including where the car was assembled, the U.S. and other country content, where the engine was made and where the transmission was made.

Regardless of what vehicle you choose to buy, you the consumer should be informed. General Motors stripping labels off of display vehicles denied you of your right to be informed. Not cool. 

General Motors On Notice

American Automobile Labeling Act (AALA) requires all new cars that are offered for sale to include country of origin information. The Made in the USA Foundation is charging General Motors of violating the AALA. GM is stripping country of origin labels off of its cars at auto shows around the country. The Foundation has given GM notice that it intends to file suit for these violation of law.

It is bad enough that General Motors is hiding the fact that it has moved production of vehicles offshore. What makes this worse is that GM is a bailout company. Remember the bailout? U.S. Taxpayers saved GM. Our Federal Government still owns a part of the company. Yet, the auto manufacturer makes the Buick Regal in Germany.

           

According to GM, AALA only applies to cars for sale at dealers not at auto shows. Made in the USA Chairman Joel Joseph responded, “Millions of consumers get their first look at cars at auto shows.  The law applies to cars that are ‘for sale’ and auto show car, except concept cars, that are for sale at thousands of dealers across the nation should include country of origin information.  The U.S. government saved G.M. and still owns one-third of the company.  General Motors should comply with the intent of the law.

Shame on you, General Motors.