Attributable to Alliance for Automotive Innovation President and CEO John Bozzella:
The auto industry has consistently called for year-over-year fuel economy and greenhouse gas improvements that also recognize that the standards originally developed almost a decade ago are no longer appropriate in light of shifting market conditions and consumer preferences.
It is important to note that this final rule establishes near-term compliance obligations, understanding that the auto industry and our nation face economic challenges due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The greatest opportunity for environmental benefits will happen as we look to longer-term policies beyond 2026. Automakers need a policy environment that drives not only fuel economy improvements, but that also supports the infrastructure, market, and other conditions necessary for the transformation of light-duty vehicles to a lower- and net-zero carbon future.
Currently, automakers are offering more than 475 models achieving 30 mpg or more, including 62 hybrids, 36 plug-in hybrids, 36 battery-electric, and three fuel cell-electric vehicles. This progress will continue. Looking to the future, we need policies that support a customer-friendly shift toward these electrified and other highly efficient technologies. We are carefully reviewing the full breadth of this final rule to determine the extent to which it supports these priorities.