Officials with Ford, Honda and Toyota, as well as with some key suppliers, told an American  congressional subcommittee that lower tax rates, more consistent regulations and a better-trained workforce would help ensure a strong auto manufacturing sector into the future.

The hearing, convened by the American House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade, saw the three competitors largely in agreement in terms of the need for government not to pass along burdensome regulations and to set tax rates and incentives in a consistent manner.