Statement of Dave McCurdy, President & CEO, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Regarding a New, Nationwide U.S. Fuel Economy Standard

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2007; "The Alliance commends Congressional leaders for reaching agreement on an aggressive, nationwide fuel economy program. This agreement reflects much hard work and tough negotiating by many parties.

"Importantly, this agreement establishes nationwide fuel economy requirements for the next 12 years and beyond. Upon adoption of this legislation, Congress will have established aggressive, nationwide fuel economy requirements, concluding a longstanding debate.

"As we understand the agreement, these tough, national mileage standards merge provisions of both the Senate and House CAFE proposals. The agreement includes a number of necessary measures to help make the overall regulatory program more realistic and reasonable. Automakers are pleased that Congressional negotiators ultimately accepted the need for practical provisions like separate car and light truck standards and incentives for building more autos that run on non-petroleum-based fuels. The bill also provides mechanisms that help automakers balance the natural ups and downs of the product cycle.

"This historic legislation would not have been possible without the efforts of auto workers, dealers, suppliers, user groups and industry allies in the business community -- whose leaders and members participated in this process. One in 10 jobs in the U.S. is dependent on the auto industry. Indeed, no other industry is linked so much U.S. manufacturing or generates more retail business and employment.

"We believe this tough, national fuel economy bill will be good for both consumers and energy security. We support its passage."