AUTO DEALER GROUP STRESSES NEED TO CONSIDER ECONOMY, JOBS, SAFETY

WASHINGTON (May 19, 2009) - The following statement from the chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association, John McEleney, is in response to today's White House announcement of a new national fuel economy and greenhouse gas program:

"NADA commends President Obama for making the right decision to embrace a federal fuel-economy standard over an unworkable patchwork of state-based laws. NADA is also pleased that the Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will use a system based on a vehicles' 'attributes,' such as size and engine type. This will help dealers to have a mix of cars and trucks available on their lots that meet the needs of their customers.

"Dealers are also heartened by the President's intent to have the EPA and NHTSA coordinate their regulatory efforts. Implementation of this next step, however, could turn out to be challenging because these agencies have two very different goals under federal law. NADA is looking forward to hearing more details of how EPA and NHTSA will reconcile their differences and how their program will actually work.

"Dealers have long supported fuel economy improvements that are feasible and affordable. NADA will work with both EPA and NHTSA to ensure they fully consider how changes in the nation's fuel-economy standard will impact jobs, vehicle safety, consumer demand and vehicle affordability. At issue is not whether manufacturers are capable of building cars and trucks that comply, but more importantly, whether the motoring public will want to buy them."