Automakers Urge U.S. to Emphasize Biofuels, Not CAFE (Update2)

By Gopal Ratnam

The best way to reduce oil imports and carbon dioxide emissions ``over the next decade is through increased use of bio-fuels,'' said Rick Wagoner, chief executive officer of Detroit-based General Motors Corp.

Jim Press, president of Toyota Motor Corp.'s North American unit, broke with his peers on criticizing CAFE. He said Toyota exceeds today's standards and the Japanese automaker favors the program as long as it is ``fair, technologically feasible, cost- effective and does not discourage early compliance.''

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Wagoner said CAFE has ``failed to meet its intended goal'' of reducing oil demand because growing fuel efficiency has led consumers to drive more. Also, setting the standards by fleet averages ``has been particularly damaging to the domestic, full- line manufacturers'' who make small to large vehicles, he said.`

It is not the lack of will that is keeping'' Toyota from putting plug-in hybrid cars on the road, Press said. ``It is the absence of technical breakthroughs'' in battery technology

Wonder who will come up with it first. Anyone know if Toyota is trying or just waiting?

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Edited March 17, 200719 yr by Mr.Krinkle

No takers?

Wagoner is right, it's the fuel that needs to be changed.