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The EPA wants to grade new vehicles for MPG
Automakers are already being forced to adjust to stricter fuel economy standards coming soon, and now they may have another thing to worry about—their vehicles earning letter grades from the government. The Detroit News reports that Environmental Protection Agency wants to add letter grades (“A+” through “D”) to new vehicles in an attempt to sway potential buyers from purchasing “gas guzzlers” and move them to possibly buy more efficient vehicles—and also save some money in the process.
Vehicles with the best fuel economy would earn “A’s” and those with the worst would earn “D’s.” The grades would also compare fuel economy between gas-powered vehicles, hybrids, electric cars, etc. While the EPA feels that fuel economy grades will help new car and truck buyers make better-informed financial decisions and also buy more efficient cars, American and foreign automakers don’t like the proposal and see it as unfair. The idea may have some merit for consumers, but many consumers already know what they want and won’t be swayed to buy something different because the EPA gives their potential vehicle a “C” grade.
Source: The Detroit News (http://www.detnews.com) 8/31/10
Kia’s Georgia plant to build the Hyundai Santa Fe
Automotive News is reporting that Kia will add a second shift at its West Point, Georgia factory to now build the Hyundai Santa Fe. Due to strong customer demand for the hot-selling 2011 Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai-owned Kia will build the Santa Fe alongside the Kia Sorento (pictured here); both SUV’s share the same platform. This is being done in order to free up more capacity at Hyundai’s Alabama plant to build more Sonatas.
Source: Automotive News (http://www.autonews.com) 8/31/10
The IIHS adds the 2011 Buick Regal as another Top Safety Pick
Add another car to the list: the IIHS announced on Monday (8/30/10) that the 2011 Buick Regal earned its award as a “Top Safety Pick,” just as the 2011 Ford Fiesta did the week before. The 2011 Regal earned the award for achieving its “good” ratings for side, front, rollover, and rear impact protection. This must be good news for General Motors; any positive news it can get to help the Buick brand win buyers is a good thing, and it just may help bring more consumers into Buick showrooms across the U.S seeking a mid-sized car.
Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org) 8/30/10
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