Green Car Maker Opposes Fuel Efficiency Standards

Say It Isn’t So, Toyota

Despite being the leading manufacturer of hybrid vehicles, in particular the Prius, and their own stated commitment to environmental principals in their manufacturing processes, Toyota is coming under fire from many environmental groups for not supporting tougher fuel efficiency standards now before the US Congress.

Led by such groups as the Union of Concerned Scientists and Natural Resource Defense Council, environmentalists are calling into question Toyota, who enjoys a reputation as a fuel efficient and relatively “green” automaker, joining forces with Detroit's Big Three in opposing the current pending legislation that would call for CAFE standards of 35mpg by the year 2020.

Toyota joins with American automakers in their assertion that such standards, and the 12–year window allowed to achieve them, would hurt the auto industry. And yet Toyota is already producing more hybrid models than anyone else, and the increasing market demand shows that people want these types of vehicles. Many of Toyota’s non-hybrid models are among the most fuel efficient cars on the road.

Auto fuel efficiency is a key step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and our reliance on foreign sources of oil. In my opinion, a standard of 35mpg by 2020 is modest and clearly achievable. Toyota has an opportunity to lead they way. Instead of falling into line behind Detroit they should follow through on their green image and reputation for innovation.

Et tu, Toyota?

Sources and Further Reading:
Business Week
Planet Ark
Bloomberg

Take Action
Tell Toyota you want them to support sensible and modest fuel efficiency standards:
NRDC petition
Union of Concerned Scientists Petition