Carmakers to Address Congress Today on Fuel Bill

Washington DC May 3, 2007; The AIADA newsletter reported that hoping to de-rail a tough fuel economy bill going up for a Senate committee vote next week, automakers today will urge Congress not to raise fuel efficiency standards.

The Detroit News reports that at a hearing of the Senate Commerce Committee today, the head of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers -- which represents GM, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, and Toyota -- will warn about the dangers of excessively raising corporate average fuel economy, or CAFE, standards.

"Let's get on with the show," said Mike Stanton, head of the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers. "Congress should act, but not arbitrarily pick a number, because it could be the wrong number."

U.S. Rep. John Dingell (D-Dearborn) recently held meetings with the CEOs of GM, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, and Toyota's North American chief to warn that the momentum for a bill is growing and that they must be part of the process. But Dingell has said a solution to cut greenhouse gases must come from all industries, not just autos.