New fuel efficiency labels for cars coming

WASHINGTON, May 26 (UPI) -- U.S. regulators have unveiled fuel economy labels they say will make it easier for new car buyers to compare fuel-efficient vehicles and gas-guzzlers.

Announcing the biggest change to the window stickers in 30 years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation said more comprehensive information detailing projected fuel costs and emissions will appear on 2013 model year cars and trucks, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

"Reducing our consumption and demand for oil is the best way to reduce upward pressure on fuel prices," EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said. "A new generation of cars requires a new generation of fuel economy labels."

The labels will still show estimated annual fuel costs as well as mpg figures for city and highway driving, but will also indicate, on a scale of 1-to-10, how a vehicle stacks up against competitors for smog, tailpipe emissions and fuel economy.

The 1-to-10 ranking could have a direct impact on car sales, Jack Gillis of the Consumer Federation of America said.

"It won't take long for the car companies who offer vehicles with 9 and 10 ratings to reap the rewards," Gillis said. "On the other hand, it's going to be pretty difficult to sell a vehicle with a 1 or 2 rating, when consumers can readily see the alternatives."

With automakers having the option of using the labels for 2012 model year cars, the new stickers could be in showroom as soon as this year, the Times reported.