Obama Announces New Fuel-Efficiency Standards for Big Vehicles
President Obama is announcing new fuel-efficiency standards requiring for the first time that fire trucks and concrete mixers, semis, heavy-duty pickups and all trucks in between must trim fuel consumption and emissions of heat-trapping gases. The White House says the standards that apply to vehicle model years 2014 to 2018 will save businesses billions of dollars in fuel costs, help reduce oil consumption and cut air pollution. Three categories of vehicles will be affected. Savings of 530 million barrels of oil and $50 billion in fuel costs over the expected lives of the vehicles covered by the new standards are projected, along with improved air quality and public health.
Growing Popularity of 4-Cylinder Engines
Fuel prices have become a critical motivator in convincing American buyers to choose smaller engines, especially with improvements in the latest powertrain technology. Four-cylinder engines now account for 43% of the U.S. automotive market, up from 26% in 2005, while six-cylinders dropped from 43% to 37%. Interest in V-8 engines has dipped from 29% to just 18% over the past six years with predictions of further declines. Automakers have been under pressure to develop fuel-saving technologies to meet the 2016 Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard of 37.5 mpg.
Legislating Mandatory Collision Avoidance Systems for Improved Safety
More people are riding their bikes and leaving their cars at home, especially in more densely-populated metropolitan areas. Use of bikes for transportation rather than only recreation is resulting in more car-bicycle collisions. Automakers continue to add more infotainment systems that distract drivers and can lead to collisions. One suggestion is to legislate collision avoidance systems to become standard equipment when an automaker sells a vehicle with a standard infotainment system.
Increased Fuel Economy Standard Challenges Automakers
President Obama said the agreement with automakers on a 54.5 mile-per-gallon national average fuel economy standard by 2025 is the "single most important step" to cut U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Under the new standard the average motorist can fill up every two weeks, instead of weekly. Automakers must take major steps to get buyers into smaller vehicles, cut fuel use with turbochargers and hybrids, slash vehicle weight and look at other ways to build more aerodynamic cars.
Used Cars Banner Sales Month in July
More car buyers shifted to used models in July, according to CNW's Art Spinella. A total of 4.5 million used cars and trucks were sold in July, a jump of 13.5%. Last month began strong for new car sales as well, but an uncertain economy and job prospects are leading many in-market car buyers to save a bit by buying used.
