What you missed at the 2013 DC Auto Show

Last week, we welcomed journalists, automakers, legislators, Hill staff and regulators to the nation’s capital to talk about the automotive industry and the policies that impact it. We know it can be tough to make it to the capital city in between Detroit and Chicago, so that’s why we’ve laid out all you need to know below:

The Auto Show kicked off with a very appropriate Policy Summit put on by National Journal, an inside-the-beltway publication that covers politics. The discussion included highlights from various industry panelists. If you’re really interested, watch the recorded live stream here. Skip the video to catch event highlights and more.

Key takeaways from the National Journal Policy Summit:

According to Mary Nichols of CARB, California still wants to carve their own path to fuel economy and clean air. Green cars not green enough for you? California is already focusing on a new generation of ‘ultra clean’ cars.

Don Chalmers of NADA wants the federal government to keep in mind the difference in consumer needs and lifestyles between New York City and New Mexico.

Rebecca Lindland fears we could delay the ‘greening of the fleet’ if we don’t make fuel efficient cars more affordable for the average consumer. Today, the average Chevy Volt buyer earns $150,000 per year. The average car buyer? They make about $60,000, according to IHS Automotive.

The global economy has changed the way automakers, car dealers and consumers do business. Generation Y and Millenials want to have transportation, but no longer do they dream about the day they get their first car. (All wisdom from Nichols)

This is a great start, but stay tuned. We have even more news from the 2013 Washington Auto Show!