Fuel efficiency rules to spur advanced vehicles
Posted: 03.31.2010 at 7:17 PM

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Automakers are going to have some tough new standards to meet.

The Obama administration is pushing those companies to develop a more fuel-efficient generation of gas-electric hybrids and advanced vehicles powered by electricity.

The rules being signed tomorrow will require 2016 model year vehicles to meet targets of 35.5 miles per gallon combined for cars and trucks. That's an increase of nearly 10 miles per gallon over current standards.

The changes come after carmakers posted modest gains in mileage numbers.

President Barack Obama says for decades, the nation has "done little to increase auto efficiency." He says the new standards will "reduce our dependence on oil while helping folks spend a little less at the pump."

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