Ford calls on automakers to support California fuel economy deal

next General Motors U-turn Supporting the Trump administration’s efforts to curtail California’s ability to set emissions standards, Ford said on Monday he wanted others to join them both. According to a letter seen by Reuters, the Blue Oval urged other automakers to support the compromise deal it struck with a handful of other companies last year.

Ford declined to comment directly on the letter, but a spokesperson told Roadshow, “From the start, we said our deal with California was the best way forward for the environment, our customers, and the health of Canada. short and long term of the automobile. We believe this deal should be the basis for new regulations, as the Biden administration plans to tighten fuel economy standards in 2021. “

If you don’t keep up with regulatory changes in emissions and fuel economy every day, here is the truth. The Obama administration implemented corporate average fuel consumption standards that regulated automakers to increase their fuel consumption by 5% per year until 2026. This would have left automakers with an economy rating. fuel average of 54 miles per gallon. Instead, the Trump administration slashed increases at just 1.5% each year, or 40.4 mpg in the same amount of time.

California’s voluntary agreement developed for energy efficiency 3.7% increases each year from 2022 – lower than the Obama administration’s target, but much more aggressive than the Trump administration’s. According to Ford, it is this framework that could serve as a model for a single national regulation.

A loophole opened up last year, however, after the Trump administration decided to ban California’s ability to set its own standards, something automakers have long hated. Essentially, companies must follow two sets of rules to meet both federal standards and California standards, which are more stringent. Other states are also following California regulations and their numbers continue to grow. Automakers have chosen their side, with major players like Ford, Honda, Volkswagen and BMW on the California side. GM, Toyota and Fiat Chrysler, among others, have supported the Trump administration’s litigation.

GM has retained the support of the outgoing administration and invited rivals to join it. GM hasn’t explicitly put its weight behind the Ford-approved deal, but GM CEO Mary Barra cited President-elect Joe Biden’s plans to invest in electric vehicles, their production in the United States and infrastructure. partner for the change of mind. Toyota previously told Roadshow it was “assessing the situation” after GM’s announcement.