http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070606/ap_on_go_co/fuel_economy;_ylt=ApXRmsgs7a5GsNRiStQVctbMWM0FAuto execs go to Hill to discuss mileage
By KEN THOMAS, Associated Press Writer 1 minute ago
WASHINGTON - The heads of the domestic auto industry are pressing congressional leaders to revisit a plan to increase fuel efficiency standards that automakers say could hurt their industry.
Leaders of General Motors, Ford and the Chrysler Group on Wednesday were to discuss the impact of health care, trade and energy policies on their companies, and urge congressional leaders in private meetings to consider an alternative to a proposed overhaul of Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards for vehicles.
"It looks like within the climate that's being experienced now, it's very likely there will be increases in CAFE," Rick Wagoner, General Motors Corp. chairman and chief executive, said Tuesday in Wilmington, Del. "I think our concern is, let's make sure that we also fix the real problems while we're doing that."
The Senate is expected to vote next week on a proposal to raise CAFE standards to a fleet average of 35 miles per gallon for a manufacturer's cars and trucks by 2020, an increase of about 10 mpg over current levels. From 2020-2030, the auto industry would face 4 percent annual increases.
Auto industry officials have called the Senate bill unworkable and resisted attempts to increase the requirements in the past. But they concede that Congress is likely to impose higher standards this year as consumers deal with $3-plus gasoline prices and remain worried about global warming and want to help shape any new requirements.
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