xcel
09-16-2009, 09:00 AM
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/AmericanFlag.jpg US_FE standards are being reviewed for another increase. (cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=232983)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2010_Ford_FocusECOnetic.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) - Sept. 16, 2009
On the same day the US preps for 27 mpgUS combined actual by 2016, Ford of Europe launches its 62 mpgUS combined on the NEDC, Ford Focus ECOnetic :rolleyes:
New Interagency Program to Address Climate Change and Energy Security
Hidden as noise beneath the Tsunami called Frankfurt yesterday was something a bit more apropos for the US consumer and automobile manufacturers. A joint statement given by U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson proposed a rule establishing a national program that would improve vehicle fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gases. Their proposal builds upon core principles President Obama announced with automakers, the United Auto Workers, leaders in the environmental community, governors and state officials in May, and would provide coordinated national vehicle fuel efficiency and emissions standards. The proposed program would also conserve billions of barrels of oil, save consumers money at the pump, increase fuel economy, and reduce millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
“American drivers will keep more money in their pockets, put less pollution into the air, and help reduce a dependence on oil that sends billions of dollars out of our economy every year,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “By bringing together a broad coalition of stakeholders -- including an unprecedented partnership with American automakers -- we have crafted a path forward that is win-win for our health, our environment, and our economy. Through that partnership, we’ve taken the historic step of proposing the nation’s first ever greenhouse gas emissions standards for vehicles, and moved substantially closer to an efficient, clean energy future.”
“The increases in fuel economy and the reductions in greenhouse gases we are proposing today would bring about a new era in automotive history,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said. “These proposed standards would help consumers save money at the gas pump, help the environment, and decrease our dependence on oil – all while ensuring that consumers still have a full range of vehicle choices.”
Under the proposed program covering model years 2012 through 2016, automobile manufacturers would have to manufacture automobiles to meet a single, light-duty national fleet average that would satisfy all federal requirements as well as the standards of California and other states. The collaboration of federal agencies for this proposal also allows for clearer rules for all automakers, instead of three standards (DOT, EPA, and a state standard).
Program Specifics
Increase fuel economy by approximately five percent every year.
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 950 million metric tons.
Save the average car buyer more than $3000 in fuel costs.
Conserve 1.8 billion barrels of oil.
Increasing Fuel Economy
The proposed national program would require model year 2016 vehicles to meet an estimated combined average emission level of 250g CO2/mile. Under the proposed program, the overall light-duty vehicle fleet would reach 35.5 miles per gallon (mpgUS) in model year 2016, if all reductions were made through fuel economy improvements. If this occurs, Congress’ fuel economy goal of 35.0 mpg by 2020 will be met four years ahead of schedule. This would surpass the CAFE law passed by Congress in 2007 which required an average fuel economy of 35 mpg in 2020.
Saving the consumer money
NHTSA and EPA estimate that the average US consumers who purchase their vehicle outright would save enough in lower fuel costs over the first three years to offset the increases in vehicle costs. Consumers would save more than $3,000 due to fuel savings over the lifetime of a model year 2016 vehicle.
Conserve Oil and Increase Energy Security
The light-duty vehicles subject to this proposed National Program account for about 40 percent of all US oil consumption. The program will provide important energy security benefits by conserving 1.8 billion barrels of oil, which is twice the amount of oil (crude oil and products) imported in 2008 from the Persian Gulf countries, according to the DoE’s EIA Office. These standards also provide important energy security benefits as light-duty vehicles account for about 60 percent of transportation oil use.
Within the Auto Industry’s Reach
Both the EPA and NHTSA have worked closely to develop this coordinated joint proposal and have met with many stakeholders including automakers to insure the standards proposed today are both aggressive and achievable given the current financial state of the auto industry.
NHTSA and EPA expect automobile manufacturers would meet these proposed standards by improving engine efficiency, transmissions and tires, as well as increasing the use of start-stop technology and improvements in air conditioning systems. EPA and NHTSA also anticipate that these standards would promote the more widespread use of advanced fuel-saving technologies like hybrid vehicles and clean diesel engines.
Problematic statements
What’s missing from the joint response is the deceptive methods in which FE is measured per the DOT CAFÉ’ standards. The average FE uses pre 1985 FE data achieved on the FTP75 (city) and HWFET (highway) tests without offsets or inclusion of the more aggressive and real world drive cycles introduced since that time. While the actual US fleet average is in the 20.5 mpg range, CAFÉ rules reveal that we have achieved approximately 27 mpg today.
This Fuel Economy “GAP” has been at the heart of US Fuel economy rule making for years and continues even to this day. The gap allows US manufacturers to underachieve in our home market placing the US manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage against foreign competitors. With the inability to sell US products in foreign countries thanks to their more aggressive and real world demands for much lower fuel consumption already in place, US manufacturers have been losing market share and US manufacturing jobs thanks in part to the cooked books and relatively past, present and future low Fuel Economy targets.
GM Response
A strong, single national fuel economy standard will benefit consumers and automakers alike by helping get more clean and efficient vehicles on the road quickly and more affordably. We will work closely with the Administration throughout the rulemaking process to support the historic agreement that GM and the auto industry reached last May. Greater consistency and certainty among a variety of regulations will help a new GM execute its current product plan centered on new technologies and more highly fuel efficient and quality cars and trucks.
NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) response
"NADA strongly supports continuous improvements in fuel economy for passenger vehicles and light trucks pursuant to a single national standard. A single, national fuel economy standard is the best way to meet America's greenhouse gas and energy security challenges. However, NADA is concerned that the Administration has chosen a needlessly complicated and burdensome path involving three different agencies (NHTSA, EPA, and the California Air Resources Board) each regulating fuel economy under three different statutes. For example, under California's fuel economy rule, certain models could be restricted in certain states, which would limit consumer choice. NADA will closely review today's proposal and comment on any provisions which could treat competing dealers unfairly or impose unnecessary and undue burdens on dealership operations."
AIAM (Association of International Automobile Manufacturers) response
"AIAM and its member companies have long supported a single, national program to improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Today's release of the proposed harmonized national standards for GHG emissions and fuel economy by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), respectively, is a welcome step toward implementation of that critically important program.
"Due to the length and complexity of the materials released today, we won't be able to comment immediately on their content, but we certainly appreciate the efforts of this Administration, especially the EPA and NHTSA, as well as other participants, in laying out a coordinated path toward a cleaner, more fuel efficient and less energy-dependent future."
While European manufacturers including Audi, BMW, Fiat, Ford, MB, Opel, Peugeot, Smart, Toyota and VW are showing off their latest wares in Frankfurt including their latest 60 mpgUS + wonders available today, we strive for a real world 27 mpg by 2016 with the proposed rules. IS it any wonder the Asians are having such a tough time in Europe while our own manufacturers are having such a tough time here in the US?
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2010_Ford_FocusECOnetic.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) - Sept. 16, 2009
On the same day the US preps for 27 mpgUS combined actual by 2016, Ford of Europe launches its 62 mpgUS combined on the NEDC, Ford Focus ECOnetic :rolleyes:
New Interagency Program to Address Climate Change and Energy Security
Hidden as noise beneath the Tsunami called Frankfurt yesterday was something a bit more apropos for the US consumer and automobile manufacturers. A joint statement given by U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson proposed a rule establishing a national program that would improve vehicle fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gases. Their proposal builds upon core principles President Obama announced with automakers, the United Auto Workers, leaders in the environmental community, governors and state officials in May, and would provide coordinated national vehicle fuel efficiency and emissions standards. The proposed program would also conserve billions of barrels of oil, save consumers money at the pump, increase fuel economy, and reduce millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
“American drivers will keep more money in their pockets, put less pollution into the air, and help reduce a dependence on oil that sends billions of dollars out of our economy every year,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “By bringing together a broad coalition of stakeholders -- including an unprecedented partnership with American automakers -- we have crafted a path forward that is win-win for our health, our environment, and our economy. Through that partnership, we’ve taken the historic step of proposing the nation’s first ever greenhouse gas emissions standards for vehicles, and moved substantially closer to an efficient, clean energy future.”
“The increases in fuel economy and the reductions in greenhouse gases we are proposing today would bring about a new era in automotive history,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said. “These proposed standards would help consumers save money at the gas pump, help the environment, and decrease our dependence on oil – all while ensuring that consumers still have a full range of vehicle choices.”
Under the proposed program covering model years 2012 through 2016, automobile manufacturers would have to manufacture automobiles to meet a single, light-duty national fleet average that would satisfy all federal requirements as well as the standards of California and other states. The collaboration of federal agencies for this proposal also allows for clearer rules for all automakers, instead of three standards (DOT, EPA, and a state standard).
Program Specifics
Increase fuel economy by approximately five percent every year.
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 950 million metric tons.
Save the average car buyer more than $3000 in fuel costs.
Conserve 1.8 billion barrels of oil.
Increasing Fuel Economy
The proposed national program would require model year 2016 vehicles to meet an estimated combined average emission level of 250g CO2/mile. Under the proposed program, the overall light-duty vehicle fleet would reach 35.5 miles per gallon (mpgUS) in model year 2016, if all reductions were made through fuel economy improvements. If this occurs, Congress’ fuel economy goal of 35.0 mpg by 2020 will be met four years ahead of schedule. This would surpass the CAFE law passed by Congress in 2007 which required an average fuel economy of 35 mpg in 2020.
Saving the consumer money
NHTSA and EPA estimate that the average US consumers who purchase their vehicle outright would save enough in lower fuel costs over the first three years to offset the increases in vehicle costs. Consumers would save more than $3,000 due to fuel savings over the lifetime of a model year 2016 vehicle.
Conserve Oil and Increase Energy Security
The light-duty vehicles subject to this proposed National Program account for about 40 percent of all US oil consumption. The program will provide important energy security benefits by conserving 1.8 billion barrels of oil, which is twice the amount of oil (crude oil and products) imported in 2008 from the Persian Gulf countries, according to the DoE’s EIA Office. These standards also provide important energy security benefits as light-duty vehicles account for about 60 percent of transportation oil use.
Within the Auto Industry’s Reach
Both the EPA and NHTSA have worked closely to develop this coordinated joint proposal and have met with many stakeholders including automakers to insure the standards proposed today are both aggressive and achievable given the current financial state of the auto industry.
NHTSA and EPA expect automobile manufacturers would meet these proposed standards by improving engine efficiency, transmissions and tires, as well as increasing the use of start-stop technology and improvements in air conditioning systems. EPA and NHTSA also anticipate that these standards would promote the more widespread use of advanced fuel-saving technologies like hybrid vehicles and clean diesel engines.
Problematic statements
What’s missing from the joint response is the deceptive methods in which FE is measured per the DOT CAFÉ’ standards. The average FE uses pre 1985 FE data achieved on the FTP75 (city) and HWFET (highway) tests without offsets or inclusion of the more aggressive and real world drive cycles introduced since that time. While the actual US fleet average is in the 20.5 mpg range, CAFÉ rules reveal that we have achieved approximately 27 mpg today.
This Fuel Economy “GAP” has been at the heart of US Fuel economy rule making for years and continues even to this day. The gap allows US manufacturers to underachieve in our home market placing the US manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage against foreign competitors. With the inability to sell US products in foreign countries thanks to their more aggressive and real world demands for much lower fuel consumption already in place, US manufacturers have been losing market share and US manufacturing jobs thanks in part to the cooked books and relatively past, present and future low Fuel Economy targets.
GM Response
A strong, single national fuel economy standard will benefit consumers and automakers alike by helping get more clean and efficient vehicles on the road quickly and more affordably. We will work closely with the Administration throughout the rulemaking process to support the historic agreement that GM and the auto industry reached last May. Greater consistency and certainty among a variety of regulations will help a new GM execute its current product plan centered on new technologies and more highly fuel efficient and quality cars and trucks.
NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) response
"NADA strongly supports continuous improvements in fuel economy for passenger vehicles and light trucks pursuant to a single national standard. A single, national fuel economy standard is the best way to meet America's greenhouse gas and energy security challenges. However, NADA is concerned that the Administration has chosen a needlessly complicated and burdensome path involving three different agencies (NHTSA, EPA, and the California Air Resources Board) each regulating fuel economy under three different statutes. For example, under California's fuel economy rule, certain models could be restricted in certain states, which would limit consumer choice. NADA will closely review today's proposal and comment on any provisions which could treat competing dealers unfairly or impose unnecessary and undue burdens on dealership operations."
AIAM (Association of International Automobile Manufacturers) response
"AIAM and its member companies have long supported a single, national program to improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Today's release of the proposed harmonized national standards for GHG emissions and fuel economy by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), respectively, is a welcome step toward implementation of that critically important program.
"Due to the length and complexity of the materials released today, we won't be able to comment immediately on their content, but we certainly appreciate the efforts of this Administration, especially the EPA and NHTSA, as well as other participants, in laying out a coordinated path toward a cleaner, more fuel efficient and less energy-dependent future."
While European manufacturers including Audi, BMW, Fiat, Ford, MB, Opel, Peugeot, Smart, Toyota and VW are showing off their latest wares in Frankfurt including their latest 60 mpgUS + wonders available today, we strive for a real world 27 mpg by 2016 with the proposed rules. IS it any wonder the Asians are having such a tough time in Europe while our own manufacturers are having such a tough time here in the US?