DETROIT CAR BOSSES AGAINST BETTER MILEAGE

Then there are these guys. They're stuck in what the early computer programmers used to call a "do-loop": They just keep doing the same thing over and over again.

Automakers press energy agenda in Congress; CEOs of Detroit-based automakers to meet with lawmakers before vote on proposed fuel economy hike
June 6, 2007 (CNN Money)
Wagoner, Mulally, LaSorda
WHO
Rick Wagoner of General Motors Corp., Alan Mulally of Ford Motor Co., Tom LaSorda of Chrysler Group/DaimlerChrysler, Democratic and Republican leaders, House Republican leader John Boehner, Ohio, David Friedman, research director/clean vehicles program, the Union of Concerned Scientists, Greg Martin, GM spokesman, Ron Gettlefinger, president, United Auto Workers (UAW),

WHAT
The Detroit Big 3 (now all smaller, however, than Toyota) will meet with DC legislators and attend a summit on US manufacturing. They are expected to lobby against new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) standards which would require them to produce more fuel efficient vehicles.

WHEN
- The face-to-face between the CEOs and lawmakers was May 6. CAFÉ legislative activity comes next week.
- Present CAFE: Light trucks 24 mpg by 2011, car fleet 27.5 mpg as it has been for 17 yrs.
- Leading Senate proposal: 4% better mileage/yr starting in 2011 until the passenger car/light turck fleet (now including SUVs & pickups) averages 35 mpg in 2020. Good for the wallet, good for global warming.

WHERE
Capitol Hill

WHY
- Since the democrats took back the congress in 2006, there has been a stronger push increased CAFÉ standards, especially with rising gas prices, controversy over dependence on foreign oil and concern about climate change.
- Automakers oppose CAFÉ strengthening because of economic consequences. Their negotiating tactics include asking for standards from the Department of Transportation instead of congress.
- The UAW fears job cuts.
Percolates? Or gets old?
QUOTES
- Friedman: "The automakers have a long history of whining that they can't improve their products…"
- Martin: "We believe that increased use of biofuels and advanced technology offer a better approach to reduce oil consumption and greenhouse gasses…It's a message that we've delivered consistently every time that the three CEOs have come to Washington."
- Boehner: "None of these priorities can be achieved through government policies that strangle the private sector, destroy American jobs and eliminate consumer choice…"