Low-Emission Vehicle Sales to Be Expanded Nationwide

The Big Three auto makers on Wednesday agreed to sell cleaner-burning cars nationwide as part of a compromise aimed at easing air pollution in the Northeast.

The vehicles, which emit nearly 70% less smog-causing tailpipe pollution than cars now in showrooms, are already required in California. They will begin selling the vehicles in the 1999 model year in the Northeast, and nationwide two years after that.

General Motors, Ford and Chrysler notified the Environmental Protection Agency of the decision to produce the cleaner automobiles, minivans and small trucks even though four Northeast states have insisted on continuing to require more stringent emission standards.

Vice President Al Gore in a statement called it “an important step to curb smog and protect public health” and an example of government and industry “working in partnership [to] achieve cost-effective environmental gains.”

Toyota had agreed to participate in the program previously and other auto manufacturers are expected to join as well.

“It means cleaner cars for the American people five years before Congress would have allowed us to require them,” said EPA Administrator Carol Browner. She called the decision by the auto makers “a significant investment” in solving the smog problems in the Northeast and elsewhere.

The EPA has been brokering negotiations between the auto makers and the Northeast states for a compromise on future auto emission controls. Four Northeast states had held out for even more stringent emission standards.

“We are prepared to move forward with this historic cooperative agreement,” Jacques Nasser, president of Ford Automotive Operations, said in a statement.

The decision means that beginning with 1999 model cars, new vehicles will emit significantly less smog-causing nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbons, EPA officials said. The improved emission controls will be in virtually all car fleets as well as minivans, smaller sport-utility vehicles and small trucks weighing less than 6,000 pounds, industry spokesmen said.