New Federal Mileage Regulations

[Kevin1]

Announced today - Minimum fleet mileage of 35.5 miles per gallon!

"The proposal would require the U.S. passenger vehicle fleet to average 35.5 miles per gallon (6.6 litres/100km) by 2016, saving 1.8 billion barrels of oil. It would also instruct the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate tailpipe emissions for the first time."

We haven't seen a big push like this for efficiency and lower emissions since, oh, the '70's. I wonder if we'll be treated to anemic, troublesome "economy" cars again, with all kinds af added-on emissions equipment? Bring back the smog pumps! LOL

[So Cal Mark]

the difference is in engine management now, so pumps aren't needed. I for one will be happy to see 8mpg Fordasauras disappear. No one is buying them anyway

[Jazgeek]

of course this regulation will not apply to the pickup trucks and commercial vehicles of the world. The hummer owners are going to have to start petitioning that their beasts are now considered "work vehicles"

this is just a concept, but this was where I think we'd be heading if not for the "crisis"

[mdrburchette]

Nice family car!
Actually, it's supposed to apply to light pickups, which will include the 3/4 ton trucks. I'm sure businesses like mine that have to use duallies will be paying a high premium for registration and highway use tax.

[Kevin1]

Nice family car!
Actually, it's supposed to apply to light pickups, which will include the 3/4 ton trucks. I'm sure businesses like mine that have to use duallies will be paying a high premium for registration and highway use tax.

Some vehicles carry a "gas guzzler" tax penalty already. I wonder if larger vehicles with fuel economy below a certain point will carry some similar penalty?

[spidernut]

This will play into the hands of the Japanese and European manufacturers who make micro cars that get a bazillion miles per gallon. Fiat will have an edge up on others with the Fiat 500 and other fuel efficient vehicles that the US makers aren't ready to engineer. It may even require cars like the Daihatsu Move and Honda Life to be imported to the US market to meet the standards. I'm sure this will be highly detrimental to an already struggling US auto manufacturing business. Way to go Mr. Pres!