Daimler Wants "Credit" for Fuel-Economy Improvements
According to the company, Mercedes-Benz vehicles spend nearly 24 percent of their on-road time idling, something that kills efficiency. They want the feds to recognize certain “off cycle” credits that do not show up in the standard fuel-economy test cycle, things like aerodynamic grille shutters, which can really boost the bottom line.
It’s crucial that Mercedes get every MPG it can. In the past they would simply pay fines if they failed to meet efficiency standards. From 1985 to 2011 it shelled out nearly $350 million. For a little context the rest of the automotive industry paid a combined $495 million during those years. Ouch!
That was then, this is now. Apparently automakers can no longer just cut a check if they fail to meet fuel-economy regulations. This is why Daimler is doing all it can to comply. If the government allows them to have certain credits the efficiency of their vehicles could increase by about 5 percent, which works out to roughly 1 mile per gallon; that’s a big deal.
Interestingly the company is also filing petitions for some of its collision-prevention technologies. Their rational is that fewer crashes result in less on-road congestion and therefore less wasted fuel.
Will Daimler get its way? The U.S. EPA will have to determine that, but in the meantime other automakers are certainly watching this developing story very closely.
[Source: Automotive News]
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Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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