A ccording to Reuters, “Automakers would be required to nearly double fleet efficiency to 62 miles per gallon by 2025 under the most ambitious scenario of a U.S. government outlook on fuel economy and emissions released on Friday.
Gasoline and electric hybrid vehicles and electric cars would play a crucial role in meeting the top range targets, according to the preliminary assessment presented to industry as a starting point for developing fuel standards for 2017 cars and light trucks, including SUVs, pickups and vans.
“We must, and we will, keep the momentum going to make sure that all motor vehicles sold in America are realizing the best fuel economy and greenhouse gas reductions possible,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said.
The auto industry is wary of any mandates to reduce gasoline use and carbon emissions output that would increase costs or adversely affect vehicle design and production schedules.
A trade group representing the biggest auto companies, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said the proposal was based on “very preliminary and incomplete data.”
The group’s chief executive, Dave McCurdy, said the biggest carmakers, including government-owned General Motors Co, Ford Motor Co, Toyota Motor Corp and Volkswagen AG would closely review the administration’s assumptions on technology, gas prices, and alternative fuels.
Investors want certainty in automaker business plans and cost calculations. To ensure car companies have enough time to make adjustments, the plan by the Transportation Department and the Environmental Protection Agency rolled out a range of efficiency gains to see what would be feasible.”
Read more: Reuters
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