During his final event in Michigan before Election Day, Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance made bold statements regarding the future of the state's auto industry. Vance asserted that a second Trump administration would protect the Michigan auto industry, contrasting it with Vice President Harris' alleged plans to destroy it through electric vehicle mandates.
Vance specifically criticized Harris for her stance on electric vehicles, claiming that her proposed mandates would result in the loss of 117,000 Michigan auto worker jobs. He accused Harris of favoring electric vehicles manufactured in China over supporting Michigan auto workers and their families.
Contrary to Vance's claims, data indicates that the number of people employed in auto manufacturing in Michigan has actually increased by approximately 15% under the Biden-Harris administration, reaching its highest level since 2007. However, employment in auto parts manufacturing in the state has seen a slight decline of about 6%.
Reports from September revealed that Harris' campaign did not confirm her support for mandates on electric and hydrogen vehicles by 2035, with the campaign clarifying that she does not endorse a mandate specifically on electric vehicles.
It is worth noting that United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain has been a vocal supporter of Harris, criticizing Trump's labor policies and warning against the potential negative impact of a second Trump administration on the labor movement.
