Why do we have to wait until 2020 for 35MPH? US auto makers seem seem to be there today in the UK.
Luckily, I’ve only filled my tank four times since April. I have the luxury of walking to work, and easy access to most of the city by subway. Last weekend, I spent $4.79 a gallon to fill my tank with 93 octane in South Hampton, NY. Prices for premium gas ranged from $4.49 to $5.25 at various stations between New York City and East Hampton.
Current legistlation mandates that US auto makers must deliver a cars and trucks with an average fuel efficiency of 35 miles per gallon by 2020. Auto makers claim that the US is at least 5-years behind foreign auto makers, and they will not be able to meet the new standards without great cost to the consumer. Fortune magazine notes that Chrysler officially claims the new standards will cost $6,700 per vehicle.
As of today, ford.com lists two vehicles at 35+ MPG. Also as of today, ford.co.uk lists ten vehicles at 35+ MPG. The UK site also offers various vehicle configurations of these vehicles resulting is a wide range of consumer choices. Chrysler.co.uk lists 9 of 12 UK models with a highway rating over 35 MPG. (Chevrolet.co.uk doesn’t offer a quick comparison chart on fuel efficiency.)
One key point to note is that the UK vehicles are by and large diesel powered. Fuel, E85, and hybrid models are offered, but not as the standard model. As far as I can tell, MPG is generally the same calculation in the US and UK, but there may be some differences that I have not found.
If Ford and Chrysler can deliver diverse fleets of fuel efficient vehicles in the UK, why should we give them until 2020 deliver something less efficient to the US? From the consumer point of view, I have to wonder if Congress is doing their own research or if they are simply listening to lobbyists? Inefficient cars seem to help profits for oil companies and big car margins for US auto manufacturers.
