WASHINGTON (April 1, 2010) - In response to the new model year 2012-16 automobile and light-truck fuel economy mandates, Ed Tonkin, chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) released the following statement:

“These new rules are the most expensive fuel economy mandates in history. In part, this is a result of three different fuel economy standards set by three different agencies (U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board) under three different sets of rules. This is in direct contradiction to the one national fuel economy standard established by Congress in 2007.

“America's new car and truck dealers support higher fuel economy standards, but recognize that for most Americans a car or truck is a necessity, not a luxury. Under these new mandates, the price of new cars and light trucks will rise significantly, meaning fewer Americans will be able to buy the new vehicles of their choice.
 
“With tight family budgets and a shaky job outlook, consumers want to maximize their transportation dollars, not pay more for redundant rules and an unnecessary bureaucracy.

“Also troubling, EPA's rule allows for lower standards for some automakers, creating an uneven playing field for some dealers selling makes that are fully regulated. These loopholes will reduce fuel savings, and needlessly distort the fragile auto market, further hurting consumers.”