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Auto Companies That Spend the Most on Lobbyists

Volkswagen AG - $740,000

 Volkswagen AG - $740,000

The German automaker, still recovering from its emissions scandal, uses lobbying to influence regulations regarding fuel efficiency standards, emissions testing procedures, and electric vehicle infrastructure development.

In 2023, Volkswagen spent more money on lobbying than they had since 1998.

Andrej Dankovic, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Aptera Motors - $744,000

Aptera Motors - $744,000

This startup electric vehicle company, known for its futuristic solar-powered car, uses its lobbying efforts to push for policies that incentivize electric vehicle adoption, renewable energy infrastructure, and research into alternative fuel sources.

The company aims to start producing their cars in the year 2025, hoping to deliver the first solar-powered car to the masses.

ApteraMotorsMedia, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Autos Drive America - $770,000

Autos Drive America - $770,000

Autos Drive America is a trade association that lobbies on behalf of international automakers with manufacturing plants and dealerships in the United States.

Auto Drives America is dedicated to advancing the U.S. automotive industry, advocating for a diverse marketplace that offers consumers a wide array of vehicle options and promoting the development of cutting-edge technologies, while creating new job opportunities for Americans.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Mercedes-Benz Group - $770,000

Mercedes-Benz Group - $770,000

The German luxury giant spends heavily on lobbying to influence policies related to emissions standards, safety regulations, and self-driving car legislation.

They advocate for policies that favor high-performance vehicles while ensuring a level playing field for luxury car manufacturers.

Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Kia Corp - $1,110,000

Kia Corp - $1,110,000

Kia, a South Korean automaker and a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, invests over $1.1 million in lobbying to promote its interests and shape policies that impact its business operations. The company focuses on a range of issues, including automotive safety regulations, emissions standards, and trade policies.

Kia lobbies for policies that support the development and adoption of advanced technologies, such as electric vehicle technology and autonomous driving systems. The company's lobbying efforts aim to create a favorable regulatory environment that allows Kia to remain competitive in the automotive market.

I, Dontworry, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tesla Inc - $1,130,000

Tesla Inc - $1,130,000

Tesla, a leading electric vehicle manufacturer, spends over $1.1 million on lobbying to promote its interests and shape policies that impact the adoption of electric vehicles and sustainable energy. The company focuses on a range of issues, including emissions regulations, incentives for electric vehicle purchases, and the development of charging infrastructure.

Tesla continuously advocates for policies that support the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid. The company's lobbying efforts aim to create a regulatory environment that accelerates the transition to sustainable transportation and energy solutions.

Windell Oskay from Sunnyvale, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hyundai Motor Co - $1,170,000

Hyundai Motor Co - $1,170,000

Hyundai, a South Korean automaker with a significant presence in the global market, invests over $1.1 million in lobbying to influence policies and regulations that impact its business operations. The company focuses on a range of issues, including automotive safety standards, emissions regulations, and trade policies.

Hyundai also advocates for policies that support the development and adoption of advanced technologies, such as electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The company's lobbying efforts aim to create a regulatory environment that allows Hyundai to remain competitive and continue its growth in the industry.

EurovisionNim, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Geely Automobile - $1,460,000

Geely Automobile - $1,460,000

Geely, a Chinese automaker with a growing global presence, spends nearly $1.5 million on lobbying to promote its interests and shape policies that impact its business operations. The company focuses on a range of issues, including automotive safety regulations, emissions standards, and trade policies.

Geely also advocates for policies that support the development and adoption of electric vehicles and other advanced technologies. As the company expands its presence in international markets, its lobbying efforts aim to create a favorable regulatory environment that allows Geely to compete with established global automakers.

Bilali6nj, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Alphabet Inc - $1,760,000

Alphabet Inc - $1,760,000

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, invests over $1.7 million in lobbying related to its interests in the automotive industry. The company's lobbying efforts focus on policies and regulations that impact the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles and connected car technologies.

Alphabet's subsidiary, Waymo, is a leader in self-driving car technology, and the company advocates for policies that support the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles on public roads. 
Alphabet also focuses on issues related to data privacy and cybersecurity in connected vehicles. The company's lobbying efforts aim to create a regulatory framework that enables the growth and adoption of advanced automotive technologies.

The Pancake of Heaven!, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Nissan - $2,090,000

Nissan - $2,090,000

Nissan, a major player in the global automotive industry, invests over $2 million in lobbying to promote its interests and shape policies that impact its business operations. The company focuses on a range of issues, including emissions standards, automotive safety regulations, and trade policies.

Nissan also advocates for policies that support the development and adoption of electric vehicles, an area in which the company has been a pioneer with its Leaf model. The company's lobbying efforts aim to create a regulatory environment that allows Nissan to remain competitive and continue its growth in the global market.

Kazyakuruma, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Honda Motor Co - $3,092,760

Honda Motor Co - $3,092,760

Honda, a leading Japanese automaker, spends over $3 million on lobbying to influence policies and regulations that impact its business operations. The company focuses on a range of issues, including automotive safety standards, emissions regulations, and trade policies.

The company's lobbying efforts aim to ensure a favorable regulatory environment that allows Honda to remain competitive and continue its growth in the global automotive industry.

Ivan Radic, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ford Motor Co - $3,146,803

Ford Motor Co - $3,146,803

Ford, one of the most iconic American automakers, invests over $3.1 million in lobbying to promote its interests and shape policies that impact the automotive industry. The company focuses on a range of issues, including emissions regulations, fuel efficiency standards, and automotive safety regulations.

Ford supports the development of advanced technologies, such as new EVs and autonomous driving features. The company's lobbying efforts aim to create a regulatory environment that allows Ford to remain competitive and continue its growth in the global automotive market.

Ivan Radic, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Stellantis NV - $3,480,000

Stellantis NV - $3,480,000

Stellantis, formed through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Groupe PSA, is a global automotive powerhouse with a significant presence in lobbying. The company's lobbying expenditure of nearly $3.5 million reflects its efforts to influence policies and regulations that impact its business operations.

Stellantis focuses on a range of issues, including emissions standards, vehicle safety regulations, and trade policies. The company supports the development and adoption of electric vehicles and other advanced technologies. Stellantis' lobbying efforts aim to ensure a competitive and favorable business environment for the company and its brands.

ajay_suresh, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Alliance for Automotive Innovation - $5,500,316

Alliance for Automotive Innovation - $5,500,316

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation is a trade association representing the interests of automakers, suppliers, and technology companies in the automotive industry. With a lobbying expenditure of over $5.5 million, the Alliance promotes innovation, competitiveness, and growth in the automotive sector.

The organization works to shape regulations related to vehicle safety, emissions, and fuel efficiency standards, as well as policies that support the development of advanced technologies such as electric vehicles and autonomous driving systems. The Alliance's lobbying efforts aim to create a favorable regulatory environment for its members and the broader automotive industry.

Christopher Goodney/Bloomberg/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Toyota Motor Corp - $6,019,963

Toyota Motor Corp - $6,019,963

Toyota, a global leader in the automotive industry, invests heavily in lobbying to promote its interests and shape policies favorable to its business. With a lobbying expenditure of over $6 million, Toyota focuses on a range of issues, including automotive safety regulations, trade policies, and environmental standards.

The company also advocates for policies that support the development and adoption of advanced technologies, such as electric vehicles and autonomous driving systems. Toyota's lobbying efforts aim to ensure a regulatory environment that allows the company to remain competitive and continue its growth in the global market.

Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

General Motors - $13,000,000

General Motors - $13,000,000

As one of the largest automakers in the world, General Motors allocates significant resources to lobbying efforts. With a focus on shaping policies related to electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and automotive regulations, GM aims to maintain its competitive edge in an evolving industry.

The company's substantial lobbying expenditure of $13 million reflects its commitment to influencing legislation and regulatory decisions in favor of its business interests. GM's lobbying efforts also extend to areas such as trade policies, labor relations, and environmental regulations, as the company navigates the complex landscape of the global automotive industry.

Dwight Burdette, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons