Auto group endorses House mileage plan

A key auto industry group Monday endorsed a House proposal to increase gas mileage standards for new passenger vehicles to at least 32 miles per gallon by 2022, calling it a more reasonable approach than a Senate plan approved last month.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which represents General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corp. and DaimlerChrysler, said it would build support for the House plan. The group opposes a competing measure that would demand 35 mpg for new vehicles by 2018.

“This is a rational increase in fuel economy, and it’s one that’s going to help a cross section of consumers, but at the same time it’s an achievable result,” Auto Alliance President Dave McCurdy said.

Reps. Baron Hill (D-Ind.) and Lee Terry (R-Neb.) last week proposed increasing the corporate average fuel economy standards for cars and trucks to as much as 35 mpg by 2022 or a minimum of 32 mpg. But their system would keep separate requirements for passenger cars and trucks while seeking more modest gains than a House alternative and the proposal passed by the Senate.

The Senate approved legislation last month that would require the auto industry to meet a combined average of 35 mpg by 2020.

The auto industry has said that would severely harm manufacturers and force them to reduce the variety of large vehicles offered to consumers.

Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) is working on a measure that would require automakers to meet the 35 mpg target two years earlier than the Senate plan. It has the support of nearly 150 House members.