Imported Vehicles Could Shift U.S. CAFE Outcome

Washington DC June 25, 2007; The AIADA newsletter reported that last week's Senate vote for higher fuel economy standards was a defeat for the Detroit 3, which had lobbied heavily against the measure.

By contrast, international brands – known for their fuel-saving technology - might have the credibility to slow congressional momentum for much tougher standards. But they hesitate to use it.

Automotive News believes that import brands are likely to lobby for tweaks, but not major changes, to the Senate bill. The bill's main provision requires cars and light trucks to meet a combined average of 35 mpg by 2020. That's an increase of about 40 percent.

International brands will seek to ease some of the legislation's requirements in the House of Representatives. But they won't seek to defeat it, and they won't support a dramatic alternative.

Reaching 35 mpg by 2020 "is still very aggressive," said Mike Stanton, president of the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers. Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Hyundai are among the organization's 14 automakers.