JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Former Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt has been hired to lead a group that promotes the interests of U.S. automobile manufacturers.
Blunt said he started work Tuesday as president of the American Automotive Policy Council. The group was created jointly by Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co.
The council has traditionally focused on trade issues for Detroit's car companies, but Blunt said he plans to expand the organization's policy agenda to include issues such as fuel efficiency standards and safety regulations.
A Republican, Blunt served as Missouri's governor from 2005 to 2009 and previously was secretary of state and a Missouri House member. Blunt said he and his family will be moving from Springfield, Mo., to the Washington, D.C., area.