Light Truck Owners Group Cautions Against Unreasonable Increases in Federal Fuel Economy Standards

SUVOA Representatives Available to Comment on Congressional Energy Hearings

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2007; With the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality in the U.S. House of Representatives set to hold hearings on Wednesday, March 14 that could lead to substantial increases in federal fuel economy standards, the SUV Owners of America (SUVOA) warns that aggressive increases in the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards could come with unintended safety and economic consequences.

All Americans, including owners of light trucks -- pick-ups, vans, minivans and SUVs -- support reasonable steps to reduce harmful effects of vehicle and other emissions, foster less reliance on imported oil, and enhance vehicle fuel economy. But most also expect that federal and state efforts to accomplish these goals are reached in a balanced way that along with energy savings and independence considers -- and values -- family, business and recreational transportation, as well as passenger safety.

"History shows that when the government raised fuel economy standards in the past, it forced auto manufacturers to make more small vehicles in order to comply with the regulation, which put occupants at greater risk of death or injury in crashes," said SUVOA President Barry McCahill. "Experts say thousands of lives already have been lost as a result of previous CAFE increases, and we could lose thousands more if some of the current proposals are forced into law."

History also shows that CAFE increases can limit consumers' options for vehicle utility functions such as towing and hauling heavy loads that require the use of pick-ups, vans, SUVs and other light trucks. Farmers, ranchers, small businesses, contractors, boaters, campers, RV owners and families are among the millions of Americans who rely on light trucks and could be adversely affected by unreasonably high fuel economy standards.

For example, since CAFE was implemented in the late 1970s, 99 percent of the towing capacity of passenger cars disappeared. Americans moved to SUV and light trucks as passenger car substitutes when cars no longer met their lifestyle needs.

Today, vehicle manufacturers are offering a wide array of vehicles, all with relatively low emissions as defined historically (and legally), and many with superior fuel economy. More improvements are coming at a rapid pace. SUVOA believes that improvements should be continuous as a national priority, but done in a way that balances environmental and other strategic imperatives with the need to sustain our economic leadership and preserve the unique American lifestyle that includes many facets beyond just the most basic transportation.