TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (August 4, 2015) - When it comes to determining fuel economy rules of the nation's light-duty vehicles, new-car dealer Forrest McConnell said a “realistic balance” between government regulations and consumer choice has to be achieved.
 
“There's no doubt that we all want cars to be more efficient … get the most miles per gallon … preserve our environment and reduce emissions,” said McConnell, president of McConnell Honda/Acura in Montgomery, Ala. “But improved fuel economy comes at a cost. The government estimates it will cost us an increase of $3,200 to the average price of a car. That's an increase that new-car buyers will have to pay up-front This will dissuade many from purchasing, thereby delaying their use of more environmentally friendly and safer vehicles.”
 
McConnell, who served as chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association in 2014, was a speaker and panelist during the session, “Policy: Shaping Regulations for Fuel Economy and the Consumer,” at the Center for Automotive Research's Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, Mich., on Tuesday.
 
“Dealers have a mission to serve our customers by offering choices-choices that fit their lifestyles and budgets,” he added. “What dealers care about is ensuring that customers get options that are meaningful for them.”