From European Rubber Journal (subscription required) comes word that the auto industry is pressing the Obama administration for a promise to reevaluate an ambitious fuel economy target announced in June. The new rules would raise US to 56.2 miles per gallon by 2025, up from 27.3 mpg now.
Automakers are seeking to slow mileage-standard increases, saying the necessary technology isn’t yet in place and may slow sales by making vehicles more expensive. A review midway through the 2017-2025 program would give regulators a chance to reassess assumptions that the needed engine technology will exist, [Ellen] Gleberman [of trade group Global Automakers] said. “It’s very difficult if not impossible to know where the industry will be in terms of technology or what the market conditions will be this far in the future,” said Gleberman, whose group represents Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co. and 11 other Asian and European automakers.
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