CAFE Legislation: Confused?

While Congress continues to wrangle about CAFE (Corporate Average Fleet Economy) fuel standards, the RV community wonders what it all means. It's obvious that something needs to be done about cutting back on the rabid slurping up of the world's oil, at the same time, what does the future hold for those who tow their RVs? Will new fuel economy standards wipe out the venerable pickup truck as a towing machine?

Just looking at some quotes from the press might make it look that way. Here's a look at a quote from a release from the UAW--the United Auto Workers union: "The new provisions on corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) require significant increases in the fuel economy standards for passenger cars and light trucks. By 2020 the average fuel economy for all cars and light trucks will have to achieve an average of 35 miles per gallon for the entire industry. This will guarantee substantial savings in gas consumption, thereby enhancing U.S. energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions."

As much as I'd love to see my pickup get 35 miles per gallon, would it pull my fifth wheel up and over the hill if it did? I had to read a bit farther to see the 'devil is in the details.' Regarding the CAFE standards under consideration by Congress, the UAW says there is, "A continuation of the distinction between passenger cars and light trucks in the CAFE program. Requiring different rules for these different types of vehicles will ensure that light truck production and jobs are not adversely impacted by the new rules."

Ah! Evidently Congress hasn't gone over to the immediate thought that the forthcoming CAFE standards would require cars and trucks to all get the same mileage. This thought is echoed by the RVIA (Recreation Vehicle Industry Association) according to a piece in a recent posting on the RV Business website. Quoting now, “The No. 1 thing the car manufacturers wanted was to keep the distinction between cars and light trucks,” said Jay Landers, senior director of government affairs for the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). “It looks like that's going to happen.”

Just where it will all shake out is still about as clear as the mud coming out from under an off-roader's tires. And until it all gets out from under the Presidential Pen with a flourish of ink, it's still an early call.

GM Tow Vehicle Sales Drop With Gas Price Rise

GM says that sales of its big pickup trucks will probably never return to the high level set earlier this decade. The automotive manufacturer says gasoline prices have quelled the big demand.

In an interview with Blomberg News Report, a General Motors spokesman said, "We always thought this was where sales would be," referring to current truck and SUV sales levels. Blomberg reports that gas prices in GM's heyday were around $1.56 a gallon, while present averages show that precious petrol fuel up to $2.74.

With thoughts of requiring CAFE (corporate average fuel economy) standards to become higher being bandied about in Congress, many worry that big pickups will become a thing of the past, making big trailers and fifth wheels far less attractive to RV buyers. It remains to be seen how things will shake out.

Photo courtesy jm3 on Flickr