William Maley
Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com
December 19, 2011
A new study from the University of Michigan says the proposed CAFE standards could actually make new cars larger, not smaller.
The study used simulations of 473 different vehicles to figure how automakers could modify vehicle dimensions, implement fuel-saving technology features and trade off performance and fuel economy. Pricing was also taken into account. Their results showed that automakers would increase the size of vehicles to meet CAFE standards instead of adding technologies.
“For just about all the scenarios, the car got bigger. What you can model in a computer is different from reality, but based on this research we expect it to happen,” said Steven Skerlos, an associate professor in the U-M Department of Mechanical Engineering.
But why are vehicles growing? Well the study points out in 2007, the CAFE standards were revised. One of those changes was a new formula that measures a vehicle’s “footprint,” calculated by multiplying wheelbase by track width. That means larger vehicles have a smaller fuel economy target, giving automakers a loophole.
“It’s cheaper to make large vehicles, and meeting fuel-economy standards costs [manufacturers] money in implementing and looking at what consumers will purchase,” said Katie Whitefoot, a researcher involved with the study.
The study calls on the US government to revise its formula.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)
Press Release & Study Result is on Page 2
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