Ways the Automobile industry is increasing gas milage
Fuel economy standards have been the primary way in which the US has sought to control greenhouse gas emissions for cars and light trucks, which along with other parts of the transportation sector account for about one-third of the nation’s carbon dioxide emissions.
In August 2012, the Obama administration issued new rules that require auto manufacturers to increase the average efficiency of new cars and trucks to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025.That means cars and trucks that Americans buy in 13 years will be smaller and have turbocharged engines and more assisted-driving features that cut back on trips to the gas pump.
The new technology that’s behind such efficiency gains does cost extra money, fueling another concern about the tougher mileage rules: They’ll force car buyers to pay more out of pocket, whether they want higher mileage or not.
Automakers have been rolling out new technology and other innovations that boost mileage, such as advanced power trains and transmissions and lighter components. Since 2007, the average fuel economy of cars purchased has risen from 20.1 miles per gallon to 23.6 mpg.
The biggest efficiency gains typically occur when automakers retool a model—which typically happens every five years or so—and outfit it with the latest technology. So more big mileage gains will be coming as more models turn over.
Do to this, these new rules, will reduce fuel consumption and cut greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, it will increase pressure on automakers to develop more alternative-fuel vehicles, such as electric and plug-in hybrid cars, as well as improve the mileage of their mass-market models by developing better engines and using lighter materials.
Currently, auto companies are working toward achieving a 35.5 miles-per-gallon average by 2016. Therefore, the new mileage rules could still end up costing buyers money, as the targets get tougher and automakers end up with little choice but to push customers into expensive high-mileage technology.
Works Cited:
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/f/fuel_efficiency/index.html
http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/Auto-industry-revs-up-for-race-to-meet-fuel-3890528.php
http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/rick-newman/2012/08/27/tough-government-gas-mileage-rules-good-for-drivers-auto-industry