Times are certainly changing for U.S. automakers, and consumers are already reaping the benefits in the form of outstanding incentives and low prices. But another benefit to come to consumers is in the form of more miles per gallon, as the U.S. Transportation Department is mandating its first fuel efficiency increase in decades.
The current administration will expect 2011 model year vehicles to achieve a fleetwide average of 27.3 miles per along, which is the equivalent to 8 percent more than the 25.3 mpg requirement for 2010. Although it may seem like a modest increase, the move will no doubt pose engineering challenges that in many ways are expected to fuel a complete reinvention of the automobile.
Fuel efficiency standards have remained an important goal in the Obama administration. As the government prepares additional aid to the struggling Detroit automakers, it seems appropriate that additional regulations are already becoming imposed by lawmakers.
The aid is widely expected to be approved. In addition to the engineering challenges associating with producing more fuel efficient vehicles, GMC Washington DC point out that automakers also have to contend with a wide range of problems, including cutting costs and strengthening sales. Already production cuts have been widespread, along with ample layoffs. Oklahoma City auto dealers warn that combining tough new regulations with reduced new car demand could put automakers in a more dire position, unless vital federal aid is approved.
Although stricter restriction could cost automakers billions, consumers shopping at Carson Honda dealers say it’s the price they may have to pay for government support. Already General Motors and Chrysler have received $17.4 billion, with many more billions currently being considered.
For consumers the new Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulations mean less time at the pump. This also means the U.S. will save an estimated 887 million gallons of fuel and cut 8.3 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions which appeases environmentally conscious shoppers among Manchester CT Nissan.
Despite the backlash from automakers, environmentalists say the new regulations don’t go as far as the 2011 regulations that had originally been proposed in 2008. Still, Denver Lincoln dealers believe the move is the adequate response to curb emissions in such a way that won’t force automakers into bankruptcy.
The increase marks the first time just standards have being mandated since the creation of the CAFE program in 1975, which was responsible for increasing fuel efficiency from 13 miles per gallon to 27.5 mpg. With the administration’s goal of delivering cleaner and safer cars to consumers as soon as possible, the regulation may not be popular with some automakers, but in the long run San Francisco Honda dealers and consumers like believe the benefits will be huge.
Volvo Dives into Plug-in Hybrid Technology
Volvo has been struggling amid slumping global sales, but that hasn’t stopped the automaker from diving into research and development. One such as product of its R&D efforts is a new plug-in hybrid that will be due by 2012. Volvo has committed itself to producing a high mileage diesel-electric plug-in hybrid, but it has yet to confirm its plans to sell the vehicle in the U.S.
Lexus ES Still Critical to Luxury Brand Lineup
As one Lexus’ most popular models, there will be plenty of drivers that will be happy to see a revamped Lexus ES 350 coming to showrooms later this month. While it may not be a full redesign, the updating certainly brings needed enhancements.
Euro Civic Type-R Teases U.S. Consumers
In the U.S., Honda is mostly known for producing somewhat conservative, economical cars. However, the image of Honda outside of the States is far more performance oriented. This is attributed to a range of models that can be had overseas, but remain unavailable here.
