U.S. DOT Announces New Fuel Economy Standards for Model Year 2011 Vehicles

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule establishing the average fuel economy standards for Model Year (MY) 2011 passenger cars and light trucks. The new standards will raise the industry-wide combined average to 27.3 miles per gallon (mpg), as estimated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is an increase of 2 mpg over the 2010 model year average. The standards will save an estimated 887 million gallons of fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 8.3 million metric tons. The MY 2011 standards will use an attribute-based system, which sets fuel economy standards for individual vehicle models based on size. DOT is working on a multi-year fuel economy plan to ensure that the industry-wide combined average of all new passenger cars and light trucks is not less than 35 miles per gallon by MY 2020. This plan will include an evaluation of fuel saving technologies, market conditions, and future product plans from the manufacturers. DOT will to coordinate with interested stakeholders and other federal agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.