U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated that the transition to electric vehicles is inevitable, whether people are ready for it or not. He made these comments during an appearance on CNN, addressing President Joe Biden’s visit to speak with striking auto workers from the United Auto Workers (UAW) in Michigan.
Buttigieg referred to his hometown of South Bend, Indiana, and mentioned local UAW chapters, emphasizing the role of union auto jobs in building the middle class and communities. He acknowledged the concerns of auto workers about the shift to electric vehicles and the potential impact on their jobs.
He stated, “What the UAW is trying to do right now is to make sure that this next chapter of the auto industry, which, let’s be very clear, these cars are going electric with or without us.”
These comments come amid ongoing discussions and debates about the future of the automotive industry and the transition to electric vehicles, as well as concerns about its impact on jobs and the economy.