Throughout the past decade, rising gas prices have taken a toll on everyone’s wallet.  Large 4 to 6 cylinder cars and SUV’s have been the most expensive to keep because of their low miles per gallon (mpg).  Because of the dramatic gas prices, many Americans are choosing to keep their old car longer, or to purchase smaller cars that get more miles to the gallon.  However, the government and the automobile industry have noticed this trend.  In an effort to help Americans on the market to purchase a new car, new car models are coming out with the highest mpg’s that we have yet to see.

According to usnews.com, “In 2007, the Bust administration raised the gas mileage requirements automakers had to meet.  Then in 2009, the Obama administration raised them further.  Those rules, which are about to be finalized in detail, will require each automaker’s fleet to average a lofty 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025- roughly double the mileage requirement of just five years ago.”  This new policy that the Obama administration is coming forth with will benefit almost everyone.  People looking to buy new cars will be more apt to buy because of the more gas mileage, and the automobile industry should see more revenue because of people purchasing their more fuel efficient cars.

One question that comes up is how is the automobile industry finding new ways to increase fuel economy?  The answer is that they are finding new technology and innovations to “lighten the load.”  Again, usnews.com says that some of these new methods to increase mpg’s are “advanced powertrains and transmissions, lighter components, and even fix-a-flat canisters in lieu of a traditional jack and spare tire to save weight.  Since 2007, the average fuel economy of cars purchased has risen from 20.1 miles per gallon to 23.6 mpg, according to the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute.”

Even environmental groups are agreeing with the auto industry, maybe even for the first time.  According to the nytimes.com, “‘these proposed standards can be met using well-known technologies such as better engines, lower-cost hybrids and electric cars,’ said Roland Hwang, transportation program director at the Natural Resources Defense Council.”  This is a major moment for the auto industry, to finally be in agreement of environmentalist groups.  In the end, only good can come of this.

Sources:

http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/rick-newman/2012/08/27/tough-government-gas-mileage-rules-good-for-drivers-auto-industry

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2012/08/27/738621/why-fuel-mileage-standards-will-benefit-the-auto-industry-and-create-nearly-700000-new-jobs/?mobile=nc

http://www.decisivemagazine.com/automotive/auto-tech