Today President Obama spoke to the employees of GM's Lordstown, Ohio, plant, which just assembled the 1 millionth Chevrolet Cobalt. Obama apparently signed the hood of that particular Cobalt. He also sat in a Chevy Cruze, which Lordstown is ramping up to build.
"It was nice sitting in there," he offered. "It was a roomy car -- and it's going to get 40 mpg."
That was his segue into talking about fuel economy, as the EPA and NHTSA released the formal plan for achieving the 35.5-mpg CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standard by 2016 today. The program will be progressively phased in, starting with a 30.1-mpg CAFE standard in 2012. By 2015, the standard will be 33.8 mpg, so there's a steep climb between 2015 and '16
Of course, as Green Car Advisor has explained, 35.5 mpg by CAFE rules does not mean 35.5 mpg by EPA rules. It's complicated math, but the short answer is that manufacturers will be able to meet the new standard with cars and trucks that average considerably less than 35.5 mpg.
More details, and a video of Obama's speech, after the jump. (Warning: The video autoplays.)
Above Photo: Elizabeth Conley / The Detroit News
First Drive: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
In addition, an EPA/NHTSA fact sheet explains a number of alternative fuel and advanced technology credits that will be offered through model year 2015 to help manufacturers' offset their models with lower mpg figures. There's also a Optional Temporary Lead-time Allowance Alternative Standards program for smaller automakers who might not be able to to meet the tighter standards in the intervening years.
If you enjoy heavy reading, you can download the full 684-page plan.
Green Car Advisor: Obama Administration Unveils New Fuel Economy Rules for Cars and Trucks
estreka says:
05:56 PM, 09/15/09
I've always wondered why CAFE never adopted the new EPA mileage.
cwc1 says:
06:50 PM, 09/15/09
And the plant's employees cheer for their real CEO like he's a celebrity or something...
roadburner says:
07:32 PM, 09/15/09
Obama and the Cruze...
Yes, they deserve each other.
jysrt says:
08:26 AM, 09/16/09
33.8 MPG? I'm happy with my Jeep SRT8...11 MPG city 14 MPG hwy. 420HP 0-60 under 5 sec. I'll stick to the CAFE standards at Starbucks