Trump calls "fools" the leaders of the auto sector

President Donald Trump on Wednesday denounced the leaders of the automotive industry who planned to remove the emission standards proposed by his government, describing corporate executives as "crazy."

"My proposal to politically correct car companies would lower the average price of a car to consumers by more than $ 3,000, while making cars significantly safer," Trump said in a tweet, saying his project backtracking would make engines more fluid and that there would be "very little impact on the environment".

History continues below

"Stupid executives!" He added.

Trump seemed to be referring to reports that his proposal to scrap President Barack Obama's latest rules on climate change, which dictated car emissions, was threatened by the carmakers' plan to abide anyway. stricter regulation.

The situation, which is a rare case of administration acting against the demands of an industry subject to increased regulation, stems from the desire to avoid a long legal battle that could lead to disparate standards in the industry. countrywide.

The New York Times announced Tuesday that the White House had last month convened Toyota, Fiat Chrysler and General Motors for a meeting at which Trump had tried to prevent auto companies from joining the pact to comply with the rules. stricter standards for emissions set by California.

Honda, Ford, Volkswagen and BMW have already signed, the Times reporting that German automaker Mercedes-Benz and one of the companies convened by Trump are also considering joining it.

Thirteen states have partnered with California to enforce standards similar to 2012 imposed by President Obama in 2012, requiring automakers to increase the average fuel economy of new cars and trucks to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025, nearly double the current standard. The Obama era standards were to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to climate change, by about 6 billion tonnes over the life of new cars. Trump's proposal would also prevent states like California from imposing their own emission standards.

According to the Times, the rebellion of the industry would have "infuriated" the president. He would promptly urge him to put the new rule in place before it is rendered obsolete by more car manufacturers accepting higher standards. Already, according to the point of sale, the six companies respecting or likely to meet the higher standards represent 40% of car sales in the country.

According to a study, contrary to what Trump claims, the White House plan would cost consumers hundreds of billions of dollars and force car buyers to pay an additional $ 3,300 per vehicle, on average, in basic fuel purchases. Trump's plan would also increase oil production by 320 billion gallons, according to the Consumer Reports study.