A conflict is brewing between officials and carmakers in the United States as new environment regulations threaten fines in the billion USD territory.
NHTSA has drawn up a 696-page document where it proposes tightening up the current fuel efficiency standards. According to it, pickup trucks and vans rated for 3,855–6,350 kilograms (8,499–13,999 lbs) of weight will need to become 10% more fuel-efficient every year. If adopted, the new regulation may enter into legal force from 2030.
The new provision concerns such popular trucks as Ford F-150, Ram 1500, GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado. Responding to the concerns voiced by General Motors, NHTSA dismissed them as ‘pure speculation’.
The proposed legislation is more lenient towards light passenger cars, requiring them to become 2% more efficient every year starting from 2027.