Filed under: MPG, Legislation and Policy, USA
Though BMW was the first automaker to contact the Bush Administration with concerns about the latest CAFE rules, it didn’t take long for more to speak up. As represented by the Alliance of Car Manufacturers, the Detroit 3, Toyota, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and others have banded together to proclaim the demands too harsh. Especially considering the current state of automotive affairs, the Alliance alleges that it will be too high-priced to either meet the goals set out in the latest CAFE standards or face the fines for not meeting them. It is certainly true that most automakers are finding it tough to sell vehicles in these days of turbulent fuel prices and a damaged economy in the U.S.
Eighty-percent of the auto market in the says is represented by the Auto Alliances members, so the issues presented by the groups are sure to be taken seriously. With other groups, including Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, wanting to actually increase the CAFE stipulations even further, the auto manufacturers seem to have their work cut out for them.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req’d]
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