Filed under: Government/Legal, Autoline on Autoblog
GOVERNMENT WANTS 60-MPG CAFE
Last year, when the federal government set Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards at roughly 35 miles per gallon by 2015, automakers squirmed uncomfortably. Though that should be an achievable target, it won’t be easy. It means Americans will have to buy several million more small cars a year, they’ll have to buy fewer trucks and SUVs, and they’ll have to pay thousands of dollars more for the technology needed to meet those standards.
But now it sure looks like the government is getting ready to set a new fuel economy standard of 60 mpg by 2025. According to Ward’s, both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will release the new standard next month. Is it at all realistic to think that we can double the fuel economy standard in a decade?
Remember, that 60 mpg target is a fleet average. That means all of the cars and trucks and SUVs and crossovers and vans that an automaker sells will need their fuel economy to average out at 60 mpg. That’s not going to be easy. It’s not just a matter of building the right kinds of cars, it’s about getting people to buy them.
John McElroy is host of the TV program “Autoline Detroit” and daily web video “Autoline Daily”. Every week he brings his unique insights as a Detroit insider to Autoblog readers.
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Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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