U.S. to propose new fuel-economy standards

NEW YORK, Dec 22, 2003; Reuters reported that the U.S. government is expected to propose an overhaul of fuel-economy standards that could pressure auto makers to improve fuel efficiency of sport utility vehicles, the Wall Street Journal said on Monday.

The newspaper said that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is targeting such loopholes as DaimlerChrysler AG's classification of its PT Cruiser as a light truck, making it subject to easier fuel-economy rules than a car.

The agency is expected to publish as early as this week a document that will suggest tightening the definition of light trucks, according to the paper. Half of all vehicles sold each year in the United States now fit into this category.

The NHTSA was not immediately able to be reached for comment.

The agency also wants to extend the rules to cover the heaviest trucks and SUVs, such as General Motors Corp.'s Hummer H2, which aren't subject to any fuel-economy standards, the paper said.