Auto group seeks flexibility in fuel rules

DETROIT, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers said it would back a U.S. government plan to raise automotive fuel efficiency, given the plan includes flexibility.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is pushing for fuel-standards to jump from an average of 27.5 miles per gallon for cars to 35.5 mpg by 2016. The new standards would be phased in starting in 2010, USA Today reported Wednesday.

The alliance includes 11 automakers, including three U.S. and eight foreign companies.

"There is no question these standards will add costs to vehicles," said Charles Territo, spokesman for the trade group.

But Brendan Bell, Washington representative for the Union for Concerned Scientists, said, "The auto industry has great accountants, and great lawyers, and it's in their interest to find ways to comply that don't cost much."

The Union for Concerned Scientists is wary that "flexibility," is another name for loopholes, the newspaper said.