Bye-bye big thirsty V8s. President Obama has announced a major global warming measure with the first federal standards for fuel efficiency and exhaust emissions for America’s vehicles.
The new standards are due to take effect in 2012. They require that by 2016 most cars be able to achieve 39 miles per US gallon (47 miles per imperial gallon), up from 27.5 mpg at present. Light trucks will have to better today’s 23 mpg by 7mpg. Exhaust emissions will also have to be reduced by 30%.
