Washington, D.C., April 02, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Association of Global Automakers appreciates the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) deliberative and data-driven determination that adjustments to the MY 2022-2025 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Program for cars and light trucks are needed to better reflect the realities of today’s U.S. auto market. Global Automakers looks forward to working with the EPA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and California to establish one national program that is environmentally strong, provides flexible options for manufacturers, and accounts for the needs and wants of our customers.
“We appreciate the EPA’s data-driven process in arriving at its Final Determination that adjustments to the national GHG program are needed,” said John Bozzella, president and CEO for Global Automakers. “This is the first step in a longer rulemaking process, and the best way to achieve our collective goals is under a single national program that provides an aggressive but achievable pathway, a variety of compliance tools, and factors in the role of customers.”
In 2012, stakeholders agreed that it would be necessary to conduct a data-driven Mid-Term Evaluation to ensure that the standards for MY 2022-2025 were in line with technology development and customers’ needs in an ever-changing marketplace. Success in achieving emissions reductions depends on a number of factors, not all of which are in the control of vehicle manufacturers. Some of these include trends in gas prices, technology costs, infrastructure needs, and consumers’ preferences.
“The world market is shifting to low carbon transportation, and the United States needs to remain competitive,” said Bozzella. “The auto industry can best achieve its goals when there is regulatory certainty, consistency, and room to innovate. Manufacturers need to sell vehicles that customers need and want today to fund the technological shifts in electrification and automation expected in the future. All stakeholders – federal, state, industry and others – need to be working together now on next steps following this Final Determination.”
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The Association of Global Automakers represents the U.S. operations of international motor vehicle manufacturers, original equipment suppliers, and other automotive-related trade associations. We work with industry leaders, legislators, and regulators to create the kind of public policy that improves vehicle safety, encourages technological innovation, and protects our planet. Our goal is to foster a competitive environment in which more vehicles are designed and built to enhance Americans’ quality of life. For more information, visit www.globalautomakers.org.Attachment:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/25543a8a-9843-40b6-8ca5-fc19b61e1f0a
CONTACT: Annemarie Pender The Association of Global Automakers 202-650-5555 [email protected]