Featured CAFE Review

Source: CAR Management Briefing Seminars | Fuel Economy Debate Heats Up | CAR Management Briefing Seminars content from WardsAuto

Christopher Grundler, director-Office of Transportation and Air Quality at the EPA, says a newly released report on existing CAFE and greenhouse-gas rules shows they are effective.

The 1,200-page technical assessment draft report is the first step in firming up proposed 2020-2025 CAFE standards calling for a fleet average of 54.5 mpg (4.3 L/100 km).

“This policy is working spectacularly,” he says. “It is indisputable.”

Automakers already are meeting future rules, and technology exists to satisfy the 2025 bogey, Grundler says, while sales are at all-time highs. He says early concerns the standards might put consumers in cars they do not want were unfounded.

“That is wrong,” he says.

Mitch Bainwol, chairman and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, shoots down the report that claims automakers have the technology to meet projected 2025 rules.

“Our view from a lobbyist perspective is there is an over projection of technology performance,” Bainwol says during Tuesday’s throw-down here.​

Regardless of where this article winds up, it has an effect on the future of fuel efficient cars.

Bob Wilson

 

From the anti-efficiency group: Will Fuel Economy Rules Cost 1.1 mil Jobs – or Save Consumers Billions? | TheDetroitBureau.com

In fact, some players will get their chance today to express their frustrations – or support – about the looming new standards during the House Energy and Commerce committees midterm review hearing. According to one study, hitting the 54.5 mile per gallon target would cost the country 1.1 million automotive jobs and saddle consumers with significantly higher costs for new vehicles. CAFE proponents, however, dismiss such claims as alarmist and conclude that, if anything, more jobs will be generated while consumers could save billions of dollars on fuel costs.​

What I find amusing is how "jobs" seems to be a common thread in the anti-efficiency crowd. It seems to be common with a lot of 'buzz' about public policy. Regardless, I think a better argument is high-MPG cars are a 'cheap gas' strategy.

Bob Wilson

 

Well now we know it takes '1.1 million' workers to build crappy cars.

Bob Wilson