New MPG requirements for Cars

Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: July 20, 2009 - 4:25 PM

New MPG requirements

President Obama's new rules on fuel efficiency, which will require automakers to increase the fuel economy of the cars they produce, will create a single, national standard that automakers must meet.

As Yahoo Autos reports, the fuel economy of all vehicles must average 35.5 miles per gallon by the year 2016 - an increase from 25 mpg today. The emissions those vehicles produce must also meet certain federal limits. The creation of a single federal standard ends efforts by several states to create their own regulations.

While automakers have opposed similar proposals for years, they are behind this one. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers has already issued a statement of support, and media reports indicate that officials from the companies were consulted when developing the new rules. They prefer a single, nationwide standard to a patchwork of state rules, they say.

Administration officials have discussed the nationwide impact of the measures. They estimate that the new rules, for instance, could cut U.S. oil consumption by 1.8 billion barrels, and could lead to a cut in greenhouse gas emissions as dramatic as shutting down nearly 200 coal-fired power plants. The new rules don't impact the car you currently drive. The regulations will apply only to new cars. There is no need to retrofit existing cars. The rules also don't affect used cars, so there is no need to worry about your car's fuel economy or emissions when you sell it.

Mark your calendars: Car Craft Summer Nationals

Don't look now, but the Car Craft Summer Nationals annual event is headed for the Minnesota State Fairgrounds July 17 to 19. This event showcases more than 5,000 street machines and muscle cars and attracts more than 45,000 attendees. For information on hours of the show and ticket prices, visit Carcraft.com or call 877-413-6515.

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