What Does Ralph Nader Have To Do With The Automotive Industry? Plenty!

Activist Ralph Nader doesn't even own a car, but this 4-time presidential candidate, environmentalist and consumer advocate has a lot to say about the automotive industry. There are also plenty of ears willing to listen.

He was recently a guest speaker at the Automotive News World Congress, where he reportedly "blasted the U.S. automakers for being short-sighted, encumbered by bureaucracy and failing to innovate to keep up with foreign competitors," according to Detroit Free Press.

His appearance at the World Congress recognized his crucial role in the development of safety technology, laws and regulations. He has founded numerous consumer advocacy groups and has been very influential both in and out of government. He has lobbied for vehicle safety laws since the sixties and his efforts lead to what is now known as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A 1965 book entitled "Unsafe at Any Speed," which criticized the automotive industry's lack of interest in safety, specifically GM's Corvair, made him famous. The book was the result of his research on the subject, but what caught the public's attention was the controversy behind it.

On that occasion, GM reacted badly to the criticism. There were spies involved and it all ended up with Nader suing for invasion of privacy, GM's president apologizing for the incident and a handsome out-of-court settlement that Nader used to fund more activist efforts and groups.

Many years later, Nader is still very active in the automotive world. He now joined forces with the Center for Auto Safety to denounce GM's OnStar, which, according to the auto industry activists, "dishonestly portrays hands-free calling as a safe activity to engage in while operating a motor vehicle."

He also requests frequent meetings and sends letters to President Bush, to discuss the automotive industry, safety and emissions control.

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