EPA Annual Report Shows Automakers Are Making Strides in Increasing Fuel Economy Averages

Statement by John Bozzella, Global Automakers President and CEO

WASHINGTON -- Oct. 8, 2014: Our members' efforts to reduce their environmental footprint each year by advancing fuel efficiency, reducing greenhouse gases (GHG), and accelerating the introduction of advanced fuel technologies are working. The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) annual Light-Duty Automotive Technology, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, and Fuel Economy Trends report shows that our industry has improved fuel economy performance by 25 percent since 2004.

Trends are moving in the right direction. Our industry sales are strong, automotive manufacturing is up, and fuel prices have been stable in the U.S. Our members are committed to a single, harmonized national program. But we still have a long way to go toward the goal of 45.5 mpg by 2025.

Gas prices and consumer preferences for trucks are some of the many factors that influence overall fleet fuel economy. We need to be mindful of such items as we begin the mid-term review to reassess the feasibility of the 2022-2025 fuel economy and GHG regulations. The EPA's report will be an important asset as we begin that process.

We are proud of the strides our members are making to meet these challenging standards and look forward to continuing our work with the EPA, Department of Transportation, and the California Air Resources Board.