Auto industry, labor join against efficiency rules

Manufacturing News, Source : The Manufacturer US
Published : 13 Mar 2007 22:15

The US auto industry will present a rare united front to Congress on Wednesday, against sharply higher fuel efficiency rules for cars and trucks that could cost $114 billion.

This according to a Detroit Free Press story, which believes this to be the first time the leaders of GM, Ford and Chrysler have joined forces with the United Auto Workers (UAW), plus Toyota's US operation, to testify before Congress.

The group considers President Bush's goal of four percent annual increases in efficiency standards too high.

the Free Press believes the automakers and union will find few friends on Capitol Hill. Congress hasn't increased the standards for passenger cars since they were established in 1974 at 27.5 m.p.g.

The group testified before The appearance before a subcommittee of Rep. John Dingell's House Energy and Commerce Committee, where failed presidential hopeful Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass. bemoaned his failed 2002 effort to raise standards and blamed the auto industry and its reticence for the bill's defeat.

The automakers contend that it should not be lieable for the estimated $114 billion. UAW estimates the rules could eliminate 17,000 jobs as automakers move small-car production offshore.

Comments on this story

click here to add a comment