This man will have a major impact on the vehicles that we drive! Changes are coming that are the largest since the invention of the automobile. I do not agree with him on many issues, but regarding the issues of fuel economy and pollution standards, the U.S. has to be the world leader. Stay tuned for my series Paradigm Shift, which outlines all the changes occurring that will change our vehicles, the auto industry and the way we live!
He is the first president that is truly an environmental giant. On Tuesday, President Obama will announce new green house pollution standards and national fuel economy standards (CAFE). Obama began this process on the seventh day of his administration. He ordered the Transportation Department to establish higher automobile efficiency standards starting with the 2011 year.
The new standards are being set so the auto manufacturers have a solid target regarding emission standards and fuel economy standards (CAFE). They have previously engaged in litigation and engaged in pressing congress to hold the EPA in check.
The CAFE standard was established in 1975 in response to the Arab Oil Embargo. Under the proposed new CAFE guidelines auto manufacturers would be required to increase fuel economy by 5% annually from 2011 -2016.
Apparently, Obama has lined up support from state governments and many of the domestic and foreign automakers. California had been seeking permission to establish their own emission standards for automobiles sold in California. This will set a federal standard that all the states must follow. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will attend the announcement.
He is raising the CAFE standards to reduce the U.S. dependence on foreign oil and to cut green house gases caused by automobiles. The U.S. imports approximately 70% of the oil used in the manufacture of gasoline! It is projected that the price of oil will skyrocket again once the world economy turns around.
SUMMARY:
This will impact the automobiles that we drive in the following ways.
(1) Auto manufacturers will cut production of high output motors...such as the Chevrolet ZR1, Chevrolet Camaro SS, Mustang Shelby GT. General Motors has already transferred the engineers, who work on high performance vehicles like the Chevrolet ZRI, Cadillac CTS-V, to other units. These types of cars will be phased out in their normal life cycle but not replaced.
(2) They will begin manufacturing smaller lighter vehicles. In the SUV class Crossovers will replace most SUV's.
(3) Auto manufacturers will begin manufacturing more hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles.
(4) Auto manufacturers will start manufacturing diesel powered vehicles.
(5) Turbo engines will begin a resurgence...Ford is currently starting to manufacturer a V-6 turbo series of engines with the power of the a V-8. These will also be used for pickups and SUV powertrains.
(6) These government mandated changes will cost the consumers an estimated $1300 plus per vehicle.
