WASHINGTON (Aug. 28, 2012) - In response to the release of fuel economy rules for model year 2017-2025 passenger cars and light trucks, Bill Underriner, chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association, issued the following statement:

“America's new car dealers support continuous fuel economy increases. NADA remains concerned that model year 2017-2025 mandates, coupled with previous Obama administration fuel economy regulations, will hike the average price of a new vehicle by nearly $3,000 when fully implemented. This increase shuts almost 7 million people out of the new car market entirely and prevents many millions more from being able to afford new vehicles that meet their needs. If this rule suppresses new vehicle sales, achieving the nation's greenhouse gas and energy security goals will be needlessly delayed. Auto dealers will continue the important work of helping consumers meet their transportation needs, despite being hampered by the cost increases under this rule. As this rule ignores the essential role that consumers play, Congress needs to continue to review these regulations to ensure that affordable vehicles are available to all Americans.”