It may be tough to believe that any car manufacturer would support stricter federal fuel-economy standards. Honda is one of the few automakers that do. Honda has become involved and is officially supporting the modified standards that mandate that automakers meet an average of 54.5 mpg CAFE, for all models, by 2025.

In case you haven't been keeping up on the government's movement to raise standards... The original plan underlined an average fleet-wide average of 56.2 mpg CAFE by 2025. Deemed too difficult the goal has since been cut by nearly two mpg.

How will the 54.5 mpg CAFE goal affect different vehicles? Automakers across the globe will be required to improve their fuel efficiency by 5% each year between 2017 and 2025. Small trucks will also be forced to act in accordance with the fuel efficiency standard if it's passed. However, small trucks will be required to improve fuel efficiency by 3.5% annually from 2017 - 2021 and 5% annually from 2022 - 2025.

It has been a long, difficult road striving to create standards that everyone can agree upon. There are a slew of passionate environmentalists on the west coast, lawmakers, some cooperative automakers, and consumers who all have unique priorities. Consumers desire a more efficient fuel economy but are discouraged by the increase in car prices which will be the effect of developing the technologies necessary to meet these standards.

"This is not easy, but the companies [i.e., Honda and a few others] are being very cooperative," says Ray LaHood, Transportation Secretary. "These deliberations are going on somewhere between 12 and 18 hours every day for the last several days...I think we'll get there."¹

Why is Honda likely to back the new fuel efficiency standards? It's quite straightforward. Honda has been an advocate for providing exceptional fuel economy and protecting the environment for a long time now. This decision to back the pending legislature is a good opportunity for the automaker to live up to their respected mission and philosophy.

Want to know more about Honda's role position in the movement to increase fuel economy standards? Stay tuned. Castle Honda, located at 6900 Dempster St Morton Grove, IL 60053, is dedicated to keeping you informed.

Source: ¹ http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20110727/AUTO01/107270331/1148/Carmakers-likely-to-back-new-fuel-rules