Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[UAW President Bob King pumped about new CAFE standards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/uaw-president-bob-king-pumped-about-new-cafe-standards/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/uaw-president-bob-king-pumped-about-new-cafe-standards/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/uaw-president-bob-king-pumped-about-new-cafe-standards/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bob King, United Auto Workers president

Bob King, President of the United Auto Workers, is adding his voice to those who have already chimed in with support for the new Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. In what might be a historic break from the union's contentious past, King is throwing in for the new fuel efficiency rules because he thinks it will mean jobs for his members as the auto industry reacts to the mandate.

In the past, such a decree could have meant much wailing and gnashing of teeth from both the automakers and labor unions. Instead, The Detroit News reports King told a meeting of representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency and Nathional Highway Traffic Safety Administration "We are excited about the new green technologies that are being developed in the United states and produced in UAW-represented facilities." King went on to praise the rules as a change that will save people money at the gas pump and reduce pollution.

The proceedings in Detroit weren't all smiles, however. Don Chalmers of the National Automobile Dealers Association expressed worry that the technology to make the fuel efficiency goal possible will tack on between $3,500 to $5,000 to the price of new vehicles, squeezing buyers with low cashflow or difficult credit inordinately. Still, the surprising bout of rainbows and puppy dogs that this latest CAFE requirement has engendered may be a harbinger of a new attitude all-around, as long as dealers can figure out how to put buyers into the newly efficient cars that automakers and labor leaders are so pleased to be creating.

UAW President Bob King pumped about new CAFE standards originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2025 cafe targetbob kingbob king cafecafecafe 2025corporate average fuel economydon chalmersfuel economympgnational automobile dealers associationuawWed, 18 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20150789/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/18/uaw-president-bob-king-pumped-about-new-cafe-standards/20150789/article-detail.xml 20150789 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/bob-king-uaw-boss-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/bob-king-uaw-boss-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai hits 2016 CAFE requirements early]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/hyundai-hits-2016-cafe-requirements-early/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/hyundai-hits-2016-cafe-requirements-early/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/hyundai-hits-2016-cafe-requirements-early/#commentsFiled under: ,



All automakers are under pressure to hit more stringent Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations, figures set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 1978, the CAFE standards were just 18 miles per gallon, but they have increased gradually each year. This summer, the bar was raised high when automobile manufacturers were told to hit 54.5 mpg by 2025. While that is a very steep ladder to climb, Hyundai hit the 2016 CAFE requirements in 2011 - the Korean automaker seems to be jumping the rungs on the way up.

The announcement that Hyundai hit a 36 mpg average four years ahead of the requirement is impressive, but there is never good news without some controversy. A consumer protection group is standing behind its claim that the Hyundai Elantra doesn't meet its U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy in real-world driving. Hyundai acknowledges that consumers may not achieve EPA estimated efficiency, but the Elanta's discrepancy was consistent with the other vehicles in its segment when tested by Consumer Reports (and just about every vehicle on the road, says our experience).

It is interesting to note that, while the EPA has not altered its fuel economy ratings on the 2012 Elantra, the automaker has added its ActiveECO feature to the model that reportedly improves fuel economy up to seven percent.

Hyundai hits 2016 CAFE requirements early originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafe 2016cafe mpgcafe requirementscorporate average fuel economyelantraepahyundaihyundai cafehyundai elantrampgFri, 13 Jan 2012 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20145255/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/13/hyundai-hits-2016-cafe-requirements-early/20145255/article-detail.xml 20145255 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/lead1-2011-hyundai-elantra-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/lead1-2011-hyundai-elantra-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Mazda CX-5 achieves best-in-class 26/35 mpg EPA rating]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/2013-mazda-cx-5-achieves-best-in-class-26-35-mpg-epa-rating/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/2013-mazda-cx-5-achieves-best-in-class-26-35-mpg-epa-rating/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/2013-mazda-cx-5-achieves-best-in-class-26-35-mpg-epa-rating/#commentsFiled under: ,

2013 Mazda CX-5 front three-quarter

Mazda has released the official EPA fuel economy figures for its 2013 CX-5, and as anticipated, the new compact crossover has achieved an all-important best-in-class designation. The front-wheel-drive, six-speed manual-equipped CX-5 is rated at 26 miles per gallon city and 35 mpg highway, thanks to Mazda's efficient Skyactiv direct-injection 2.0-liter inline-four. In fact, Mazda claims the CX-5 actually gets the best fuel economy rating of any SUV (read: crossover) sold in America, full stop.

CX-5 models equipped with front-wheel drive and Mazda's new Skyactiv six-speed automatic transmission are good for 26/32 miles per gallon city/highway. And while those highway numbers match up with the four-cylinder Chevrolet Equinox, the Mazda's 26 mpg city rating bests the Chevy by a whopping four mpg. All-wheel-drive CX-5s are rated at 25/31 mpg city/highway. Follow the jump for Mazda's official release.

Continue reading 2013 Mazda CX-5 achieves best-in-class 26/35 mpg EPA rating

2013 Mazda CX-5 achieves best-in-class 26/35 mpg EPA rating originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 mazda cx-5cx-5cx5fuel economymazdampgWed, 11 Jan 2012 09:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20145103/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/11/2013-mazda-cx-5-achieves-best-in-class-26-35-mpg-epa-rating/20145103/article-detail.xml 20145103 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-2013-mazda-cx-5-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/01-2013-mazda-cx-5-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Motor Press Guild honors <i>Senna</i> documentary and Brock Yates, among others]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/motor-press-guild-honors-senna-documentary-and-brock-yate/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/motor-press-guild-honors-senna-documentary-and-brock-yate/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/motor-press-guild-honors-senna-documentary-and-brock-yate/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Motor Press Guild (MPG), the largest automotive media association in North America, held its 17th annual Dean Batchelor Award banquet at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles this week. The association's awards honored those with outstanding automotive contributions in the areas of writing, audio/visual, photography and lifetime achievement.

Dean Batchelor Award: Senna, by Asif Kapadia and Manish Pandey.

Best Book: Elva, The Cars, The People, The History by Janos Wimpffen

Best Article: "Questor Grand Prix" by Tom Stahler

Best Photography: "Everybody's a Photographer" by Reinhard Klein

Lifetime Achievement Award: Brock Yates was honored for his many contributions to both the automotive and entertainment industries. Not only was Mr. Yates the longtime executive editor of Car and Driver, but he reported for television motorsports, wrote numerous books, was the screenwriter for Smokey and the Bandit II (1980) and The Cannonball Run (1981) and he founded the famed coast-to-coast Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash (better known as the Cannonball Run), along with its eventual offshoot, One Lap of America.

Pictured is Brock Yates and his wife Pamela, with Laura Burstein, president of the Motor Press Guild. The full press release is below.


Continue reading Motor Press Guild honors Senna documentary and Brock Yates, among others

Motor Press Guild honors Senna documentary and Brock Yates, among others originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asif kapadiaawardsayrton+sennaayrtonsennabrock yatesbrock+pamela+yates+wifebrockpamelayateswifedean batchelorelvajanos wimpffenmanish pandeymotor press guildmotor+press+guild+2011+audio+visualmotorpressguild2011audiovisualmpgquestor+grand+prix+2011+articlesquestorgrandprix2011articlessennasenna moviesenna+dean+batchelorsennadeanbatchelortom stahlerThu, 15 Dec 2011 09:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20128214/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/15/motor-press-guild-honors-senna-documentary-and-brock-yate/20128214/article-detail.xml 20128214 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/yates6282_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/yates6282.jpg <![CDATA[Fed proposes new fuel economy standard: 54.5 mpg by 2025]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/fed-proposes-new-fuel-economy-standard-54-5-mpg-by-2025/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/fed-proposes-new-fuel-economy-standard-54-5-mpg-by-2025/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/fed-proposes-new-fuel-economy-standard-54-5-mpg-by-2025/#commentsFiled under:

Sunoco gas station line

The U.S. Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency and the White House have announced new fuel economy standards for model year 2017-2025 vehicles that will require cars and light trucks to yield a combined 54.5 mpg, as was proposed back in July.

According to the government, these new Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards will help save as much as 2.2 million barrels of oil per day by 2025, reducing our dependence on foreign oil and saving vehicle owners plenty of money at the pump. In fact, the fed says that a consumer purchasing a new car in 2025 will save $6,600 in fuel costs over the lifetime of that vehicle. Of course, the technologies required to achieve these new targets will make vehicles more expensive too, but the agencies claim that consumers will still save $4,400 over the life of a vehicle after factoring in those extra costs.

The new CAFE rules will follow current 2011-2016 standards that call for cars and light trucks to hit 34.1 mpg combined by 2016. The rule is backed by over 100 members of Congress, and if adopted will undergo a 90-day comment period before becoming official.

Some members of Congress believe that the rules haven't been evaluated thoroughly enough, however. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-California) has expressed concerns about the technical feasibility of the new standards. While most automakers have backed the 54.5 mpg goal, Volkswagen has been vocally against the plan in the past. While the new standards are strict, the plan does provide one single national standard for the industry to follow, unlike before where automakers met a minimum national standard as well as separate, tougher standards adopted by individual states led by California (the dreaded "patchwork" of regulation).

We're all for better fuel economy, though the tight time frame likely means that automakers will resort to costly hybrid and alt-fuel options over the next 18 years to boost their fuel economy figures, and those substantial research, development and production costs are sure to get passed on to car buyers. It will be interesting to watch how eager shoppers are to hop onto this new, greener bandwagon.

Continue reading Fed proposes new fuel economy standard: 54.5 mpg by 2025

Fed proposes new fuel economy standard: 54.5 mpg by 2025 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>54.554.5 mpgcafecafe standardscongresscorporate average fuel economydepartment of transportationenvironmental protection agencyepafuel economyfuel economy standardsmpgus department of transportationusdotWed, 16 Nov 2011 16:09:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20107715/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/16/fed-proposes-new-fuel-economy-standard-54-5-mpg-by-2025/20107715/article-detail.xml 20107715 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/gas-station-line-ap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/gas-station-line-ap.jpg <![CDATA[Audi A7 wins Motor Press Guild's inaugural Car Of The Year award]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/audi-a7-wins-motor-press-guilds-inaugural-car-of-the-year-award/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/audi-a7-wins-motor-press-guilds-inaugural-car-of-the-year-award/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/audi-a7-wins-motor-press-guilds-inaugural-car-of-the-year-award/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Motor Press Guild has named the 2012 Audi A7 as the its first-ever Car Of The Year. MPG calls itself the largest automotive media association in the United States, and says that the the A7 was chosen as the first recipient of the organization's Car Of The Year award because of its styling, handling and slew of advanced technologies.

MPG says that the A7 faced some stiff competition from four other finalists chosen by a panel of members. The entire MPG membership then evaluated and ranked those vehicles at the organization's track day in October.

Motor Press Guild President Laura Burstein will present Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen with the Car Of The Year award at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show.

Of course, the MPG wasn't the only organization to honor the A7. Automobile Magazine recently named the high-end hatchback its Car of the Year as well. Hit the jump for the MPG press release.

Continue reading Audi A7 wins Motor Press Guild's inaugural Car Of The Year award

Audi A7 wins Motor Press Guild's inaugural Car Of The Year award originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 audi a7a7audiaudi a7la auto showlos angeles auto showmotor press guildmpgThu, 10 Nov 2011 16:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20103520/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/10/audi-a7-wins-motor-press-guilds-inaugural-car-of-the-year-award/20103520/article-detail.xml 20103520 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/03-2012-audi-a7-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/03-2012-audi-a7-review.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker Karma gets EPA certified: 52 mpge, 32-mile electric range, 20 mpg on gas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/fisker-karma-gets-epa-certified-52-mpge-32-mile-electric-range/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/fisker-karma-gets-epa-certified-52-mpge-32-mile-electric-range/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/19/fisker-karma-gets-epa-certified-52-mpge-32-mile-electric-range/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

fisker karma

Yikes. The EPA has finally released its official fuel economy rating for the Fisker Karma, and it's not high: just 52 MPGe, an all-electric range of 32 miles and 20 miles per gallon on gasoline when the battery runs dry. This is well below the numbers that Fisker reps were bandying about in past years: 67.2 mpge and an all-electric range of 50 miles.

American conservatives - who really have it out for plug-in hybrids that the federal government helped fund with loan guarantees - are already calling the Karma's numbers a "flop." It's kind of hard to say if that's the right word to use since luxury car buyers probably won't be turned off by these figures - 20 mpg is nothing surprising for the class - but we agree that the PHEV needed to be more efficient when running on gasoline to truly impress us on the green front. At least a 32-mile electric range isn't all that shabby, and company CEO and co-founder Henrik Fisker said he still thinks most drivers will beat the EPA estimate and be able to wring 50 electric miles out of their $95,900-plus cars.

Whatever they are, the numbers do contain some good news for Fisker. With EPA certification now in the bag, sales can officialy begin. Fisker said the first sales marked a "major milestone" and that his company "can deliver many more of these truly amazing automobiles to customers during the remainder of 2011 and for many years to come." The first 39 Karmas should be rolling out "now-ish" to dealers for use at demonstration vehicles and the first customer vehicles should arrive from Finland in about two weeks.

Continue reading Fisker Karma gets EPA certified: 52 mpge, 32-mile electric range, 20 mpg on gas

Fisker Karma gets EPA certified: 52 mpge, 32-mile electric range, 20 mpg on gas originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fisker karmaelectric vehicleenvironmental protection agencyepaepa mpgfiskerfisker epahenrik fiskerkarmakarma fuel economykarma mpgmpgplug-in hybridWed, 19 Oct 2011 09:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20085189/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/19/fisker-karma-gets-epa-certified-52-mpge-32-mile-electric-range/20085189/article-detail.xml 20085189 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/01-2012-fisker-karma-fd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/01-2012-fisker-karma-fd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Vauxhall wins fuel economy shootout... with 6.2-liter VXR8]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/11/vauxhall-wins-fuel-economy-shootout-with-6-2-liter-vxr8/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/11/vauxhall-wins-fuel-economy-shootout-with-6-2-liter-vxr8/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/11/vauxhall-wins-fuel-economy-shootout-with-6-2-liter-vxr8/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Vauxhall VXR8

It's not out of the question to think that Vauxhall could win a shootout for the best fuel economy. But you'd figure the honors would be taken by something like the Ampera plug-in hybrid or one of its EcoFlex models, not the VXR8 muscle sedan, what with its huge 6.2-liter V8 engine. But it's precisely the VXR8 that took the prize at the end of the day.

The Fleet World MPG Marathon doesn't just measure overall fuel economy, but how much of an improvement over its combined city/highway rating they can eke out of a given car. The goal is to demonstrate just how much a driver and his/her driving style can effect the amount of fuel consumed.

By that standard, the VXR8 was a shocker: the vehicle is rated (on the European cycle) at 21 miles per gallon, but with Top Gear online editor Chris Mooney behind the wheel and Vauxhall's own Andrew Duerden coaching from the front passenger seat, they managed to squeeze out a much more pump-friendly 32.14 mpg - a remarkable 53-percent improvement.

Second place went to a likelier candidate in the Suzuki Swift DDiS, which managed to get an astounding 86.4 miles per (diesel) gallon on a 67.3 mpg rating for a 28.3 percent improvement over specification. Follow the jump for both press releases.

Continue reading Vauxhall wins fuel economy shootout... with 6.2-liter VXR8

Vauxhall wins fuel economy shootout... with 6.2-liter VXR8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fleet world mpg marathonfleetworld mpg marathonfuel economympgmpg marathonvauxhallvauxhall vxr8vxr8vxr8 fuel economyTue, 11 Oct 2011 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20077341/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/11/vauxhall-wins-fuel-economy-shootout-with-6-2-liter-vxr8/20077341/article-detail.xml 20077341 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webvxr8_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/webvxr8.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Ford Escape to be four-cylinder only, two EcoBoost options]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/2013-ford-escape-to-be-four-cylinder-only-two-ecoboost-options/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/2013-ford-escape-to-be-four-cylinder-only-two-ecoboost-options/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/2013-ford-escape-to-be-four-cylinder-only-two-ecoboost-options/#commentsFiled under: , ,

ford vertrek concept detroit 2010

The 2013 Ford Escape is set to bow at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month, but we don't have to wait several weeks for engine options. The Ford Story (a Ford-run blog) reports that the next Escape (Ford Vertrek concept from 2011 Detroit Auto Show shown above) will feature three four-cylinder engine options, with two of those four-pots being of the turbocharged kind.

The base engine will be the carryover 2.5-liter four-cylinder model, but the two EcoBoost mills will likely garner the most attention. The turbocharged 1.6-liter model, which is already a big success in Europe, will fill out the middle of the range. With the EcoBoost 1.6 under the hood, the 2013 Escape will best the current Escape Hybrid's 31 highway miles per gallon, while still producing up to 180 horsepower. That couldn't come as much of a surprise, since even the larger and more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost manages 30 mpg highway under the hood of the much heavier Ford Edge.

Speaking of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost, you can expect this 247-horsepower mill at the top of the 2013 Escape food chain. With all that horsepower and usable (275 pound-feet) torque, we're guessing Escape buyers won't miss the 3.0-liter V6 and it's measly 223 lb-ft one bit. And like we said, if the Edge can manage 30 mpg, we're guessing that engineers can eek out a bit more efficiency under the hood of the next Escape.

2013 Ford Escape to be four-cylinder only, two EcoBoost options originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013ecoboostescapefordhybridlala 2011la auto showlos angeles 2011mpgturboTue, 04 Oct 2011 17:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20073863/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/04/2013-ford-escape-to-be-four-cylinder-only-two-ecoboost-options/20073863/article-detail.xml 20073863 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/ford-vertrek-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/ford-vertrek-concept.jpg <![CDATA[White House delaying release of new fuel economy standards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/white-house-delaying-release-of-new-fuel-economy-standards/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/white-house-delaying-release-of-new-fuel-economy-standards/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/white-house-delaying-release-of-new-fuel-economy-standards/#commentsFiled under:

62 mpg coffee mug

The Obama Administration will reportedly delay the release of the U.S.' most ambitious fuel economy proposal ever.

Word is the Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency won't be able to string together a Corporate Average Fuel Economy draft for Model Year 2017-25 for public comment by the end of this week, as was initially intended. Instead, sources close to the matter claim the proposal won't be rolled out until November, or possibly even later. But even with the expected delay, the administration should remain on track to meet its deadline of issuing final guidelines by July of 2012.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and EPA are jointly writing the regulations based on the July agreement, which tentatively calls for automakers to hit a CAFE target of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025.

Sources claim regulators are moving slower than anticipated on details of the official proposal to ensure it covers issues likely to be voiced during the public comment period.

White House delaying release of new fuel economy standards originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2025 cafecafecafe standardscorporate average fuel economyepafuel economympgobamatrnsportation departmentWed, 28 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20068731/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/28/white-house-delaying-release-of-new-fuel-economy-standards/20068731/article-detail.xml 20068731 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/abg-cafe-cup-x_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/abg-cafe-cup-x.jpg <![CDATA[MIT, Princeton find smartphones can improve fuel efficiency by 20 percent]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/26/mit-princeton-find-smartphones-can-improve-fuel-efficiency-by-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/26/mit-princeton-find-smartphones-can-improve-fuel-efficiency-by-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/26/mit-princeton-find-smartphones-can-improve-fuel-efficiency-by-2/#commentsFiled under:

Smartphone on dashIn July, at the Association for Computing Machinery MobiSys conference, research teams from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Princeton University took home an award for a fuel-saving system in cars that relies on dash-mounted smartphones.

MIT says the system saves fuel by monitoring and logging the timing of traffic signals to alert drivers when slowing down could help them avoid idling at lights. By reducing idle times, MIT says the system can save gallons of gas. In tests conducted here in the States, drivers saw a massive 20-percent reduction in fuel consumption.

Dubbed SignalGuru, the idle-reducing system relies on countless images captured by the phones' cameras. SignalGuru is able to analyze these images to predict when traffic lights will change. Somehow, the fuel-saving system works on both fixed-schedule lights and on signals that vary in duration based on traffic flow. The only downside to Signal Guru seems to be that its light-predicting accuracy varies depending on the number of vehicles outfitted with the system, which makes sense.

Oh, and, as all good scientists should, the researchers did model the impact of instructing drivers to accelerate to beat the red lights, just to see what would happen. They concluded that running the red light could be disastrous for economy figures, so the system now recommends slowing down. Science wins again! Check out more details of the study in the official press release after the jump.

Continue reading MIT, Princeton find smartphones can improve fuel efficiency by 20 percent

MIT, Princeton find smartphones can improve fuel efficiency by 20 percent originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuel economyfuel efficiencymassachusetts institute of technologymitmpgphonesprincetonsignal gurusignalgurusmartphonesFri, 26 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20027582/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/26/mit-princeton-find-smartphones-can-improve-fuel-efficiency-by-2/20027582/article-detail.xml 20027582 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/20110824170428-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/20110824170428-1.jpg <![CDATA[First-ever heavy-duty truck efficiency standards announced, will save a month's worth of oil]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/09/first-ever-heavy-duty-truck-efficiency-standards-announced-will/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/09/first-ever-heavy-duty-truck-efficiency-standards-announced-will/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/09/first-ever-heavy-duty-truck-efficiency-standards-announced-will/#commentsFiled under: ,

Heavy-Duty trucks Federal Emissions Standards

If you're not sure why today's announcement from the Obama Administration about the first-ever fuel economy standards for heavy-duty trucks and buses is important, read this.

Okay, now that we're all on the same page, let's take a look at the new standards. These aren't specific MPG targets like passenger vehicles have. Instead, different vehicle categories have different improvement targets. The headline numbers from the EPA are that the new standards will save $50 billion in fuel costs and around 530 million barrels of oil over the life of new trucks built between 2014 and 2018.

To put that in perspective, the U.S. uses around 19 million barrels of oil a day, so we'll be saving just under a month's worth of the entire country's appetite for oil from heavy-duty trucks built during these four years.

As for the standards themselves, semi trucks are required to achieve a 20-percent reduction in fuel consumption and greenhouse gasses by 2018, heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans a 15-percent reduction, and vocational vehicles (buses, garbage trucks, etc.) a 10-percent reduction. The improvements will come from mostly off-the-shelf technologies, and a second phase dealing with trucks built after 2018 will require the use of more advanced tech and save even more fuel.

Similar to the passenger car and light truck standards that were proposed the other day, initial response to the heavy-duty truck standards has been universally popular. This shouldn't be a surprise, since the administration worked with "truck and engine manufacturers, fleet owners, the State of California, environmental groups and other stakeholders" to develop the standards. The Heavy Duty Fuel Efficiency Leadership Group, for example, endorsed the rules, which you can read for yourself, as well as more reactions, after the jump.

Continue reading First-ever heavy-duty truck efficiency standards announced, will save a month's worth of oil

First-ever heavy-duty truck efficiency standards announced, will save a month's worth of oil originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big rigsepafederal governmentheavy duty trucksmpgobama administrationsemi truckstractor trailerstruck cafetruck mpgtruck standardsTue, 09 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20013353/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/09/first-ever-heavy-duty-truck-efficiency-standards-announced-will/20013353/article-detail.xml 20013353 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/heavy-duty-trucks-semi-big-rigs-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/heavy-duty-trucks-semi-big-rigs-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Auto engineers skeptical of meeting 2025 CAFE targets... are you?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/02/auto-engineers-skeptical-of-meeting-2025-cafe-targets/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/02/auto-engineers-skeptical-of-meeting-2025-cafe-targets/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/02/auto-engineers-skeptical-of-meeting-2025-cafe-targets/#commentsFiled under: ,

Spilled cafe cup on documentsMost automakers have come out to support the new 2025 Corporate Average Fuel Economy target of 54.5 miles per gallon. Engineers, however, aren't so sure we're ready to hit that number. Despite a stamp of approval from the Union of Concerned Scientists, the folks that design and build the actual products evidentlyfeel that the CAFE target will not be hit without serious changes to vehicle size and cost.

This seems to be a case of government officials and automakers wanting to focus on three areas; cost, efficiency and safety, yet engineers believe you can only pick two. As safety demands continue to rise, cars get heavier and larger (at least until technology allows to vehicles become basically crashproof). In order to meet rising fuel economy demands, engineers would prefer to go in the opposite direction with respect to size.

Ward's Auto surveyed nearly 1,100 engineers who work for automakers and suppliers. Part of the survey involved a question regarding the ability to hit the 2025 CAFE target using the current portfolio of available materials. This question offered participants to answer using a one to five rating scale, with one being "Not at all confident" and five "Very confident." Seventy-five percent of responders answered with a three or lower.

From the engineer's point of view, it's clear that one of three parts of this triangle will need to give. We know it won't be safety, and fuel economy is a huge part of our future. Start saving now, then, because if the engineers are right, cars are about to get much more expensive.

What do you think, will automakers manage to meet CAFE 2025 goals, or will there be new legislation or penalties dished out down the road? Have your say in Comments.

Auto engineers skeptical of meeting 2025 CAFE targets... are you? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20252025 cafe2025 cafe target54.5 mpgcafeengineersfuel economyfuel economy standardsmpgTue, 02 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20007161/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/02/auto-engineers-skeptical-of-meeting-2025-cafe-targets/20007161/article-detail.xml 20007161 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/spilled-coffee-cup_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/spilled-coffee-cup.jpg <![CDATA[2025 CAFE target set at 54.5 mpg; everyone's apparently happy with that]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/29/2025-cafe-target-set-at-54-5-mpg-everyones-apparently-happy-wi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/29/2025-cafe-target-set-at-54-5-mpg-everyones-apparently-happy-wi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/29/2025-cafe-target-set-at-54-5-mpg-everyones-apparently-happy-wi/#commentsFiled under:

obama announces cafe standards

Following the official announcement this morning that the new 2025 Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard would be set at 54.5 miles per gallon, our email box overflowed with something we rarely see: near-unanimous support. Everyone from the automakers to the Union of Concerned Scientists, from the United Auto Workers to the American people (through a study released today by the Pew Environment Group) seem to agree: 54.5 mpg is the right fuel economy target. Sure, some of the groups would have been happier with the previously bandied-about 62 mpg or even 56.2 mpg, but almost everyone is putting on a happy face today.

Surrounding the President as he made the announcement were the heads of many automakers, including Dan Akerson (GM), Alan Mulally (Ford), Sergio Marchionne (Chrysler), John Krafcik (Hyundai Motor America), Jim Lentz (Toyota Motors Sales USA) and more. The OEMs brought a bevy of fuel-efficient vehicles, too, including plug-ins like the Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Volt, a bunch of hybrids couple of a big trucks that aren't the gas guzzlers of yesteryear: a Ford F-150 with EcoBoost and a Dodge Ram 4x4 SLT.

Of course, we're sure there will be continued contention over what is the best fuel economy goal for the United States - the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, for example, says that the "proposal does not drive advanced technology to its maximum potential," and warns that it could be watered down even further - but, for now, pretty much everyone appears to be on the same page. Even California, which could (and has, in the past) gone its own way with fuel economy standards because of the Clean Air Act, has given its approval to 54.5. As our friend Jim Motavalli wrote in BNET yesterday, President Obama, "seems to have crafted a fairly good compromise that nobody actively hates." The behind-the-scenes negotiations must have been interesting to watch, eh?

Continue reading 2025 CAFE target set at 54.5 mpg; everyone's apparently happy with that

2025 CAFE target set at 54.5 mpg; everyone's apparently happy with that originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2025 cafe54.5 mpgcafecafe standardcorporate average fuel economyfuel economyfuel economy standardsmpgobamauawunion of concerned scientistsFri, 29 Jul 2011 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20004519/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/29/2025-cafe-target-set-at-54-5-mpg-everyones-apparently-happy-wi/20004519/article-detail.xml 20004519 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/obama-announces-cafe-standards_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/obama-announces-cafe-standards.jpg <![CDATA[White House lowers 2025 CAFE target to 54.5 mpg]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/26/white-house-lowers-2025-cafe-target-to-54-5-mpg/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/26/white-house-lowers-2025-cafe-target-to-54-5-mpg/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/26/white-house-lowers-2025-cafe-target-to-54-5-mpg/#commentsFiled under:



What's the difference between 56.2 and 54.5 miles per gallon? Way more than 1.7 mpg, that's for sure.

The Detroit News is reporting that the Obama White House is dialing down the proposed 2025 fuel economy requirement to 54.5 mpg. Earlier, we had heard that 62 mpg would be the new target for 2025 - then that got slashed to 56.2. The numbers could, of course, change again, but this plan would effectively mean passenger cars will need to become, on average, five percent more fuel efficient every year between 2017 and 2025. Trucks will be allowed to get cleaner slower: three percent improvements each year between 2017 and 2021 and then five percent annually until 2025.

One of the contentious issues here is whether the higher fuel economy level will help or hurt the economy and the auto industry. The Auto Alliance, which represents most major automakers, says that the OEMs are already doing a fine job putting fuel efficient vehicles on the market. There are many voices, though, that don't want the government to keep lowering the target. Go60mpg, for example, is an advertising campaign targeting lawmakers in D.C. and trying to push them to go high.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released a study last fall that claimed a five-percent annual increase in fuel economy would drive up the cost of a new vehicle by $2,100. The Consumer Federation of America counters that a 56-mpg threshold would "save consumers over $6,000 per vehicle in gasoline costs over the vehicle's lifetime" (details after the jump).

So, that 1.7-mpg drop contains a pretty big political fight. The number is moving in the direction that the automakers want, but whether they will accept it as low enough is not yet clear.

Continue reading White House lowers 2025 CAFE target to 54.5 mpg

White House lowers 2025 CAFE target to 54.5 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>54.5 mpgauto alliancecafecafe standardsconsumer federation of americago60mpgmpgnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsaTue, 26 Jul 2011 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20001402/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/26/white-house-lowers-2025-cafe-target-to-54-5-mpg/20001402/article-detail.xml 20001402 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/abg-cafe-cup-x_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/abg-cafe-cup-x.jpg <![CDATA[EPA, DOT unveil updated window stickers [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/25/epa-dot-unveil-updated-window-stickers-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/25/epa-dot-unveil-updated-window-stickers-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/25/epa-dot-unveil-updated-window-stickers-w-video/#commentsFiled under: ,

Electric vehicle label
Electric vehicle label - Click above for more labels

Updated United States fuel economy labeling, unveiled on Wednesday, includes additional information on plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles, and highlights other advanced technologies aimed at reducing gasoline consumption and tailpipe emissions.

The redesigned window stickers, required on all 2013 models, enables consumers to quickly compare fuel savings for different types of vehicles, whether they rely on gasoline or some type of alternative fuel. For example, the labels display estimates of how much fuel or electricity would be required to drive 100 miles and how much time is needed to charge a plug-in vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf.

Lisa Jackson, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), says the reason for the redesigned labels is to give consumers, "the best possible information about which cars on the lot offer the greatest fuel economy and the best environmental performance." The EPA developed the updated labels with assistance from the Department of Transportation.

Click here (pdf) for a detailed look at all of the revised fuel economy labels and follow the jump to view video on the labels' Smartphone "QR Code." Let us know your thoughts on the updated labels by voicing your opinion in the Comments, as well.

Continue reading EPA, DOT unveil updated window stickers [w/video]

EPA, DOT unveil updated window stickers [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 May 2011 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dotelectric vehicleenvironmental protection agencyepaepa window stickerfuel economy labelsmiles per gallonmpgplug-in hybridwindow stickerWed, 25 May 2011 11:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19949818/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/25/epa-dot-unveil-updated-window-stickers-w-video/19949818/article-detail.xml 19949818 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/electric-vehicle-label_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/electric-vehicle-label.jpg <![CDATA[EPA and DOT drop letter grades from window stickers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/23/epa-and-dot-drop-letter-grades-from-window-stickers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/23/epa-and-dot-drop-letter-grades-from-window-stickers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/23/epa-and-dot-drop-letter-grades-from-window-stickers/#commentsFiled under:

EPA fuel economy labels
EPA/DOT Proposed Fuel Economy Labels - Click above for high-res versions

It seems that the Average Joe isn't the only one who thinks that the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed letter grades on windows stickers are both confusing and too subjective for the government to assign.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the Obama administration has scrapped plans to assign letter grades - ranging from A to D - to passenger vehicles based on fuel efficiency. Instead, the updated labels, which will reportedly be unveiled next week, will include more info to help buyers judge a vehicle's projected gasoline costs and CO2 emissions.

Automakers have argued that the letter grade proposal would put the government in the position of making value judgments, which some auto industry lobbyists vehemently oppose. Says Auto Alliance spokesman Wade Newton:
The addition of a large, brightly colored letter grade may confuse the public about what is being graded and it risks alienating the consumer who has a valid need for a vehicle that does not achieve an 'A'" based on greenhouse gas emissions.
Dan Becker, director of Safe Climate Campaign, counters:
It is deeply disappointing that the Obama administration abandoned [assigning letter grades]. It's appalling that the car makers, some of whom we bailed out, bludgeoned the administration into submission.
The WSJ quotes a person familiar with the administration's internal deliberations as saying, "Even within agencies, there were differences of opinion." What do you think, would letter grades be too subjective?

EPA and DOT drop letter grades from window stickers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 May 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>department of transportationdotenvironmental protection agencyepaepa window stickerfuel economy labelsgreenmiles per gallonmpgwindow stickerMon, 23 May 2011 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19947007/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/23/epa-and-dot-drop-letter-grades-from-window-stickers/19947007/article-detail.xml 19947007 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/screen-shot-2010-08-30-at-1.30.45-pmopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/screen-shot-2010-08-30-at-1.30.45-pmopt.jpg <![CDATA[Majority of Americans want 62 mpg CAFE standards; automakers don't]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/17/majority-of-americans-want-62-mpg-cafe-standards-automakers-don/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/17/majority-of-americans-want-62-mpg-cafe-standards-automakers-don/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/17/majority-of-americans-want-62-mpg-cafe-standards-automakers-don/#commentsFiled under:

cafe 62 mpg

If you want to find examples of ways Americans disagree on politics, all you need to do is turn on any cable news channel right now. But here's a curious case of the majority agreeing on one important point: 62 percent of Americans support an increase in the average fuel economy mandate in the U.S. to 60 miles per gallon by 2025.

That's around the level currently under loose discussion in Washington (which is 62 mpg), and the strong, bi-partisan support is the finding of a survey released today by the Consumer Federation of America, conducted by Opinion Research Corporation under commission. The current CAFE rules, announced in April 2010, require 35 mpg by 2016.

There is one group that's against the 60+ mpg level, though: automakers. As former General Motors vice chair Bob Lutz told us the other day when talking about a CAFE increase that wasn't quite 62 mpg, "Nobody knows how to do a full-line fleet with the equivalent of 42 miles per gallon. That's ain'tgonnahappen.com."

More broadly, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which represents many major automakers, asked the Obama administration to not consider a 62 mpg standard until more studies on this level's impact on the industry are completed. It warned that such a high level might negatively affect safety, sales and jobs.

Majority of Americans want 62 mpg CAFE standards; automakers don't originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 May 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>62 mpgalliance of automobile manufacturersbob lutzcafecafe mpgcafe standardsconsumer federation of americampgobama mpgTue, 17 May 2011 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19942090/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/17/majority-of-americans-want-62-mpg-cafe-standards-automakers-don/19942090/article-detail.xml 19942090 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/abg-cafe-cup_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/abg-cafe-cup.jpg <![CDATA[How much will the EPA's new fuel economy standards cost each automaker?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/17/how-much-will-the-epas-new-fuel-economy-standards-cost-each-aut/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/17/how-much-will-the-epas-new-fuel-economy-standards-cost-each-aut/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/17/how-much-will-the-epas-new-fuel-economy-standards-cost-each-aut/#commentsFiled under: ,

woman shopping for new car

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it will cost automakers an average of $948 to meet the 34.1 mile per gallon Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards that will be adopted in the United States in 2016. The current standard sits at 27.5 mpg. The EPA estimates that the average owner will save some $4,000 in fuel costs over the life of the vehicle, resulting in a net savings of over $3,000 per owner.

Sounds like a fair deal, right? Well... let's delve deeper into the numbers. The New York Times reports that some automakers will be paying much more money to reach the 2016 CAFE requirements than others. With its penchant for hybrid cars, it's no surprise that it will cost Toyota the least amount to comply at just $455 per vehicle. Kia ($501 per vehicle), Honda ($574) and Hyundai ($745) all have it relatively easy as well.

Now things get a little murkier. General Motors will reportedly have to shell out $1,219 per vehicle to comply with the 2016 CAFE regulations; Ford will spend $1,228 per vehicle. Chrysler has it even worse, with an estimated $1,328 per vehicle. Still, that pales in comparison to Volkswagen, which is expected to spend a whipping $1,693 for each vehicle it sells here in the States to hit the 34.1 mpg requirement. Yowza.

As pointed out by NYT, though, we shouldn't necessarily feel bad for those automakers paying more per vehicle. After all, companies like Toyota and Honda have already paid huge sums of money in research and development costs to get their fleet mileage figures where they are - in a way, you could say that the EPA is forcing thirstier brands just to follow suit. For more analysis of the numbers and how they will affect automakers and consumers, click here.

[Source: The New York Times | Image: Rich Pedroncelli/AP]

How much will the EPA's new fuel economy standards cost each automaker? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafecafe costscorporate average fuel economyenvironmental protection agencyepafuel mileagemiles per gallonmpgThu, 17 Mar 2011 09:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19881474/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/17/how-much-will-the-epas-new-fuel-economy-standards-cost-each-aut/19881474/article-detail.xml 19881474 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/car-shopper_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/car-shopper.jpg <![CDATA[EPA, DOT, California all agree on timeframe for new CAFE standards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/25/epa-dot-california-all-agree-on-timeframe-for-new-cafe-standar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/25/epa-dot-california-all-agree-on-timeframe-for-new-cafe-standar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/25/epa-dot-california-all-agree-on-timeframe-for-new-cafe-standar/#commentsFiled under:

Last April, the three main fuel economy regulatory players - the EPA, the DOT and the State of California - announced new CAFE targets for the 2012 through 2016 model years: 34.1 miles per gallon by 2016. If there's one thing U.S. automakers liked about this, it was that we had a "national standard" for fuel economy regulations. The U.S. has been shifting towards a cohesive, nationwide set of rules since 2008 and it looks like we had avoived the dreaded "patchwork" regulations that OEMs were so troubled by.

This week, the regulatory partners announced "a single timeframe for proposing fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards for model year 2017-2025 cars and light-duty trucks." Whatever MPG number they agree to, we'll hear about it from a singular voice by September 1 instead of an announcement from California in the spring and then a federal one in the fall, as had been expected.

Because of the Clean Air Act, California still had the authority to define its own motor vehicle emissions standards, but the feds have been working to make their own regulations strict enough to keep California happy while providing "certainty" for automakers that are building next-gen clean cars. Last fall, California "accepted compliance with these federal GHG standards," and - for now - everyone is still playing together nicely.

[Source: EPA/DOT/CARB, USAToday | Image: BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP/Getty Images]

Continue reading EPA, DOT, California all agree on timeframe for new CAFE standards

EPA, DOT, California all agree on timeframe for new CAFE standards originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafe standardcafe standardscarbdotepampgmpg cafeTue, 25 Jan 2011 13:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19814610/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/25/epa-dot-california-all-agree-on-timeframe-for-new-cafe-standar/19814610/article-detail.xml 19814610 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/fuel-pump-handle_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/fuel-pump-handle.jpg -1 2