WASHINGTON, Oct 1 (Reuters) - A group representing major

automakers on Tuesday warned a prolonged strike by workers at

U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports would be "debilitating" and urged

the White House to broker a resolution.

John Bozzella, president and CEO of the Alliance for

Automotive Innovation that represents General Motors ( GM ),

Toyota Motor ( TM ), Volkswagen, Hyundai

and most other automakers, noted the ports impacted

last year handled 34% of all U.S. motor vehicle and parts trade

worth $135.7 billion.

"A protracted strike will be debilitating to the auto supply

chain and set off economic and national security ripples across

the country - harming auto communities and consumers," Bozzella

said.