In a dramatic turnabout from their 2007 position, automakers last week described the new federal fuel efficiency rules as a
challenge, but added they welcome government leadership in the creation of
the new standards.
"This may
come as a surprise to some, but automakers are on board and committed to
reducing CO2," said Dave McCurdy, president of the Alliance of
Automobile Manufacturers, in a video
statement on the organization's web site. General
Motors' Chief Executive Fritz Henderson also expressed optimism, saying the giant automaker is capable of meeting the new timetable, while Ford Motor Co. CEO Alan Mulally called the new
rules "a crucial milestone."
The
welcoming responses from automakers came as a surprise to some, especially
after the same companies vehemently battled less strict standards two years
ago. Back then, the U.S. Congress called for the manufacturers to reach an
average fuel economy of 35 mpg by 2020. Automakers responded by saying the
35-mpg standard would force them out of business.
Those standards now seem soft,
however, in the face of last week's ruling, which calls for autos to hit 39 mpg
by 2016 and for light trucks to average 30 mpg.
The new rules
are expected to pose huge challenges for automakers, who must ratchet up their
engineering efforts in batteries, materials, diesel engines and hybrid
technologies. In 2007, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers argued that
making such changes by 2020 was not possible. "Lead time is exceptionally
important to auto manufacturers because of the cost involved in redesigning an
automobile and re-tooling the plants," said Charles Territo of the Alliance in
a 2007 interview with Design News. "You also have to consider the time it
takes to identify suppliers and make sure the vehicle meets all the safety and
emission requirements."
Auto makers
said last week they are particularly encouraged by the fact that under the new
ruling there will now be only one set of fuel efficiency standards, instead of
several conflicting state-by-state standards.
Automotive
experts said last week the new goals are technologically attainable, but
will pose an economic challenge. They could be derailed by spiraling costs, safety
issues or gasoline prices, they said. Dr. David Cole, chairman of the Center for Automotive Research and a
former professor of automotive engineering at the University of Michigan,
said government estimates of $1,300 per vehicle to bring the fleets into
compliance are too low. "The government is way, way off on the costs," Cole
said. "Just look at the cost of hybridizing. You're looking at $3,000 to $4,000
just for that."
Cole
contends automakers are complying with new demands because of their
financial condition and their newfound dependence on government aid.
"In these
financial times, the auto companies are not going to do anything to tick off
the government," Cole said. "They've got to live first and worry about everything
else later."
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