WASHINGTON--March 5, 2012: The Association of Global Automakers (Global Automakers) launched DrivngFuelEconomy today to highlight its members' efforts to meet increased fuel economy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards.
“The participation of the entire American auto industry is essential to meeting the nation's environmental goals”
DrivngFuelEconomy is aimed at policymakers to educate them about the necessity of maintaining a comprehensive and harmonized national approach to fuel economy and GHG standards. "We want to make sure lawmakers and regulators understand that avoiding a patchwork of differing federal and state standards that provide no significant environmental benefit is the best way to meet the nation's environmental goals," said Mike Stanton, Global Automakers president and CEO. "From our members' perspective, it is absolutely essential to provide them the ability to design, build and introduce into the marketplace the types of advanced technology vehicles consumers want to buy."
The website also provides visitors with a tutorial on the fuel economy and GHG standards rulemaking process and political history and videos explaining the functionality and benefits of the latest green technologies that will help automakers meet those standards. But, having the vehicles available is only one part of the equation. The data-heavy consumer section explains the biggest obstacle we are facing: consumer acceptance of green vehicles. "Even if the government and industry can get the fuels right, the infrastructure right and the technology right, the consumer is the key piece of the puzzle and also the wildcard," said Stanton.
"For 30 years, our members have been aggressively pursuing innovative ways to reduce CO2 emissions to protect the environment and lessen our nation's reliance on fossil fuels," said Stanton. "Our members have consistently supported efforts by the federal government to require meaningful improvements in fuel economy with reductions in GHG emissions from automobiles and light trucks."
The international automakers - whose commitment to developing green technologies for the U.S. market has resulted in the following achievements:
- First hybrid in the U.S. market in 1999 and 82 percent of the U.S. hybrid market today
- First all-electric, zero-emission mass-market vehicle
- First mass-market gasoline-electric hybrid
- First fuel cell vehicle certified for consumer use
- First natural gas-powered vehicle available for consumer use
- First lower-emission LEV, ULEV, SULEV, and near-zero emission AT-PZEV vehicles
"The participation of the entire American auto industry is essential to meeting the nation's environmental goals," said Stanton.
The Association of Global Automakers, Inc. represents international motor vehicle manufacturers, original equipment suppliers, and other automotive-related trade associations. We work with industry leaders, legislators, regulators, and other stakeholders in the United States to create public policy that improves motor vehicle safety, encourages technological innovation and protects our planet. Our goal is to foster an open and competitive automotive marketplace that encourages investment, job growth, and development of vehicles that can enhance Americans' quality of life. For more information, visit Global Automakers.
