xcel
02-01-2007, 12:10 PM
Automakers split over fuel-saving technologies. (http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070201/FREE/70131001/1024)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/TH_HCH-II_Rear.jpgHarry Stoffer - Automotive News - Jan. 31, 2007
Testifying in favor of higher fuel economy, Honda representatives expressed skepticism about plug-in hybrid technology.
WASHINGTON - Automakers presented sharply conflicting views Tuesday to a Senate committee looking for ways to cut vehicle fuel consumption.
Lawmakers of both parties expressed interest in raising fuel economy standards. They did not indicate how soon they might consider legislation.
John German, regulatory manager for American Honda Motor Co., reminded the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee that his company is on record in favor of higher standards.
German questioned the wisdom of rushing to build plants and filling stations for fuel that is 85 percent ethanol, known as E85. He also expressed skepticism about prospects for plug-in electric hybrids. Even if dramatic improvements are made in batteries for plug-ins, he said, motorists would not save enough in fuel to justify the vehicle cost for at least six years.
His views contradicted those of the other automaker witness: Beth Lowery, General Motors' vice president for energy and environment.
Lowery said GM favors reforming the corporate average fuel economy program, or CAFE, for cars. But she said "it's difficult to pick a number" for where standards should be set.
GM is a major proponent of E85. It also has unveiled a concept vehicle, the Chevrolet Volt, that would be a plug-in electric car equipped with a small engine to recharge batteries.
Lowery said government should help expand the availability of alternative fuels such as E85 and should spend taxpayer money on battery development.
Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., said GM didn't seem to be offering much in return. He called for "shared responsibility."
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, asked whether a car fuel economy standard of 40 mpg by 2017, up from today's 27.5 mpg, is feasible.
Walter McManus, president of the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, said the standard is attainable and would force U.S. automakers to become more competitive.
The committee's chairman, Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., said the panel would follow up on the witnesses' recommendations. He did not say when legislation might be considered.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/TH_HCH-II_Rear.jpgHarry Stoffer - Automotive News - Jan. 31, 2007
Testifying in favor of higher fuel economy, Honda representatives expressed skepticism about plug-in hybrid technology.
WASHINGTON - Automakers presented sharply conflicting views Tuesday to a Senate committee looking for ways to cut vehicle fuel consumption.
Lawmakers of both parties expressed interest in raising fuel economy standards. They did not indicate how soon they might consider legislation.
John German, regulatory manager for American Honda Motor Co., reminded the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee that his company is on record in favor of higher standards.
German questioned the wisdom of rushing to build plants and filling stations for fuel that is 85 percent ethanol, known as E85. He also expressed skepticism about prospects for plug-in electric hybrids. Even if dramatic improvements are made in batteries for plug-ins, he said, motorists would not save enough in fuel to justify the vehicle cost for at least six years.
His views contradicted those of the other automaker witness: Beth Lowery, General Motors' vice president for energy and environment.
Lowery said GM favors reforming the corporate average fuel economy program, or CAFE, for cars. But she said "it's difficult to pick a number" for where standards should be set.
GM is a major proponent of E85. It also has unveiled a concept vehicle, the Chevrolet Volt, that would be a plug-in electric car equipped with a small engine to recharge batteries.
Lowery said government should help expand the availability of alternative fuels such as E85 and should spend taxpayer money on battery development.
Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., said GM didn't seem to be offering much in return. He called for "shared responsibility."
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, asked whether a car fuel economy standard of 40 mpg by 2017, up from today's 27.5 mpg, is feasible.
Walter McManus, president of the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, said the standard is attainable and would force U.S. automakers to become more competitive.
The committee's chairman, Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., said the panel would follow up on the witnesses' recommendations. He did not say when legislation might be considered.