08/23/05
Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta announced a new government plan today that would require all automakers to produce more fuel-efficient light trucks by 2011. The light truck category includes pickup trucks, SUVs and minivans.
Fleet-Wide Improvements Required
This is the first time auto manufacturers have been asked to increase fuel efficiency fleet-wide instead of relying on offering a few lighter vehicles to satisfy desires for better fuel economy. Every affected vehicle, no matter how large it is, will be expected to have improved mileage stats.Vehicles will be slotted into one of six size categories, each with a fuel economy target. Size is determined by footprint, not weight, so drivers aren't being asked to give up heavier vehicles that make them feel safer.
Grace Period for Fuel Economy Improvements
The program requires that automakers begin building more fuel-efficient vehicles by 2008, with a three-year transition period before the plan is fully implemented in 2011. At that time all models must meet miles per gallon targets that are based on vehicle size.The entire proposal is outlined in a lengthy government document, but the fuel economy targets appear to be:
2008
- From 26.8 mpg for the smallest vehicles to 20.4 mpg for the largest
2009
- From 27.4 mpg for the smallest vehicles to 21.0 mpg for the largest
2010
- From 27.8 mpg for the smallest vehicles to 20.8 mpg for the largest
2011
- From 28.4 mpg for the smallest vehicles to 21.3 mpg for the largest.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will take comments on its proposal for ninety days and plans to finalize the rule by April, 2006.
