Energy

CFA Urges Feds to Press Ahead With Money Saving MPG Standards

Review Process Kicks Off With New Report Outlining Paths Forward—Original Predictions of 54.5 (CAFE) or 40 MPG Scaled Back

Washington, D.C. – A new technical assessment report regarding a midterm review of light-duty vehicle fuel-efficiency and carbon emissions standards – released today by federal agencies – shows that while automakers have made significant progress in improving fuel efficiency, the original predictions may not be achieved by 2025.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate that lower gas prices and larger than expected SUV and light truck sales contributed to the lowered expectations.

Jack Gillis, Director of Public Affairs for CFA and author of The Car Book, said:

“The question remains as to what vehicles automakers are heavily promoting.  Many of the high profit trucks and SUVs happen to get lower MPG ratings than less profitable smaller vehicles.  We are calling upon the EPA and NHTSA to ask the automakers about their promotion efforts and compare the fuel efficiency ratings of heavily promoted vs. less promoted vehicles.   The industry spends about $15 billion on advertising which has a great deal of influence on what consumers actually buy.”

“Our surveys show that consumers want more efficient vehicles and appreciate the benefits of standards that require improvements.  In addition, they understand that gas prices will, in the future, go back up.  As such, heavily promoting less fuel-efficient vehicles could end up costing consumers considerably down the road.”

“Consumers understand that investments in fuel-efficient technology save money at the pump, putting less stress on already challenged pocketbooks.  Today’s report indicates that the original costs of meeting the standards were on target.  This investment in technology pays off and should continue to without restraint.”

Mark Cooper, Director of Research for CFA, said:

“Staying the course on fuel economy standards is what American drivers want—whether it’s a pick-up, SUV or hybrid, they want vehicles that go farther on a gallon of gas.

“In our latest survey, more than four out of five consumers said gas mileage will be an important consideration the next time they shop for a vehicle. The same percentage said they support federal fuel economy standards. Even in a year when gas prices are low, consumers understand that buying a fuel-efficient vehicle saves money and, most importantly, protects them from inevitable gas price spikes.”

“The clear consumer pocketbook benefit of these standards is only part of the story. Automakers need to produce more efficient vehicles so they can sell them, not only in the U.S. but around the globe, and standards help to take the risk out of producing more fuel-efficient vehicles.”

CFA released a report in April showing that automakers were beating expectations with fuel-efficient vehicle offerings; the organization also released survey findings that consumers support fuel economy standards and are wary of gas prices spikes.

Contact: Jack Gillis, 202-737-0766; Aaron Huertas, 202-236-8495


The Consumer Federation of America is an association of more than 250 non-profit consumer groups that, since 1968, has sought to advance the consumer interest through research, education, and advocacy.