Honda Urges Tougher Fuel Economy Regs

8 February 2005

The NYT reports that Honda urged the federal government on Friday to impose tougher fuel-economy regulations, probably marking the first such event ever from an automaker.

The request was meant as a gesture to environmental groups after the Thursday decision by Honda and Nissan to join an industry lawsuit against California, which is seeking to regulate the emissions from cars and trucks of gases that are said to worsen global warming. Most other automakers have already sued the state to block what would be the first such effort in the nation.

Honda officials would not say how much of a gas mileage increase they would support. They said that they made the statement to show they did support regulating greenhouse gas emissions, which are closely tied to fuel consumption, while they also object to action being taken by states.

“We are not seeking to block greenhouse gas standards,” said Ed Cohen, Honda’s vice president for governmental affairs. “We simply are wanting to be sure it’s addressed in the correct forum.”

Or wanting to hedge their marketing bets.

This shortly after Honda introduced its new Ridgeline pickup with 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway.