The head of the United Auto Workers union says Republican presidential nominee John McCain lost credibility by first saying he bought his daughter a Toyota Prius, then saying she bought it.
Ron Gettelfinger told reporters Wednesday in a conference call that motorists have a right to choose any car they want. He added that McCain should be honest about who bought the Prius.
McCain last year told a student in South Carolina that he bought the car.
But when questioned Sunday by TV station WXYZ in Southfield, Mich., McCain said, "She bought it, I believe, herself."
The UAW has endorsed McCain's Democratic opponent, Barack Obama.
McCain's campaign said the Arizona senator is an advocate of alternative-fueled vehicles and noted his proposals for a $300 million prize for whoever can develop a better automobile battery and $5,000 tax credits for consumers who buy new zero-emission vehicles.
Regional spokeswoman Sarah Lenti said in a statement that McCain wants America to "take the lead in the way we power transportation," saving U.S. jobs. She didn't say whether McCain or his daughter had purchased the Prius, but noted: "The UAW should lay off Meghan McCain."