YONKERS, N.Y. — A new survey finds the vast majority of Virginians want automakers to continue improving their vehicles’ fuel efficiency.
Large majorities of Americans support better fuel efficiency for cars and government regulations to make it happen. Support fluctuates based on if a company makes the decision or if the government mandates it.
Chris Harto, senior policy analyst for transportation and energy at Consumer Reports, said people across the political spectrum want improved fuel economy standards but people believe their wants are not always guiding decisions by automakers.
“Americans want better fuel economy. They want automakers to continue to deliver more efficient vehicles,” Harto reported. “They don’t trust automakers to do that on their own, and they support the government pushing automakers to make sure that they deliver more efficient vehicles.”
More than 80% of respondents want carmakers to continue focusing on improving fuel economy for their vehicles and a little more than 60% of respondents in the South want the government to continue increasing fuel efficiency standards.
Another analysis by Consumer Reports bodes well for fuel efficiency and emissions standards. It found compared to cars from 2001, efficiency and emission standards have saved consumers more than $9,000 over today’s average vehicle’s life span.
Harto pointed out if the Trump administration chooses to decrease fuel economy standards, it is possible fewer federal fuel economy standards will lead to less fuel efficiency on vehicles.
“When you ‘let the market decide,’ the market doesn’t deliver the savings that our survey shows consumers clearly want,” Harto explained. “These standards really help push the market to do what consumers really want the market to do but apparently, it doesn’t appear like the market will do without those standards.”
Harto added car manufacturers can create more aerodynamic vehicles, reduce weight and embrace hybrid technology to increase fuel economy for consumers.
