U.S. vehicles rank at bottom in world fuel efficiency
Reuters reports here at News.com: The United States ranks at the bottom of industrialized countries in vehicle fuel-economy standards, but would jump far up the list if legislation to boost mileage requirements clears Congress and is signed into law, according to a report released on Monday.
U.S. fuel-efficiency requirements for passenger cars have been stuck at 27.5 miles per gallon since 1985, while the standard for pickups, minivans and other light trucks will increase from 20.7 mpg in 2004 to 24 mpg in 2011. That puts the United States behind Canada, South Korea, Australia, China, members of the European Union and Japan in vehicle fuel economy.