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Automakers want to stop the EPA's fuel economy rules change, and why that's a shortsighted move

With a Trump Administration looming, the EPA moved quickly after the election to propose finalizing future fuel economy rules last week. The auto industry doesn't like that (surprise), and has started making moves to stop the EPA. Ford CEO Mark Fields said he wanted to lobby Trump to lower the standards, and now the Auto Alliance, a manufacturer group, is saying it will join the fight against cleaner cars. The Alliance represents 12 automakers: BMW, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, GM, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Toyota, VW, and Volvo. Gloria Bergquist, a spokesperson for the Alliance, told Automotive News that the "EPA's sudden and controversial move to propose auto regulations eight months early - even after Congress warned agencies about taking such steps while political appointees were packing their bags - calls out for congressional action to pause this rulemaking until a thoughtful policy review can occur." The EPA was going to consider public comments through April 2017, but then said it would move the deadline to the end of December. That means that it can finalize the rules before President Obama leaves office. The director of public affairs for the Consumer Federation of America, Jack Gillis, said on a conference call with reporters last week when the EPA originally announced its decision that it is unlikely that President Trump will be able to roll back these changes. Gillis also said on the same call that any attempt by the automakers to prevent these changes would be history repeating itself. "These are the same companies that fought airbags, and now promoting the fact that every car has multiple airbags," he said. "These are the same companies that fought the crash-test program, and now are promoting the crash-test ratings published by the government. So, it's clear that they're misperceiving the needs of the American consumer." There are more reasons the Allliance's pushback is flawed. Carol Lee Rawn, the transportation program director for Ceres, said on that call that the automotive industry is a global one, and many automakers are moving to global platforms to help them meet strict fuel economy rules around the world.

Recharge Wrap-up: Ford Transit hybrid conversion, PlugShare updates app

A new report quantifies China's growing vehicle scrapping industry. With major growth in vehicle ownership since 2000, China is expecting its first scrappage peak this year. In 2013, China's scrappage rate was four percent, around two to four percent below other developed countries. However, more and more organizations are being certified to dismantle and recycle vehicles. With 9 to 12 million vehicles reaching end of life in 2015, and 12 to 16 million by 2020, recycling and remanufacturing parts could be a significant industry in China - as much as $32 billion this year. Read more in the release from ReportBuyer. PlugShare has updated its mobile app with a new interface and features. The EV charger locator service's most important new feature is a trip planner, which shows charging stations within five miles of the specified route (that range is expected to become adjustable with future updates). Other new features include a local charging activity viewer, bookmarks, messaging, leaderboards, a customizable user profile, and new search options. Users can now specify specific plug types or charging networks in their search for charging options. Check out the rundown of the updated app at Green Car Reports. XL Hybrids has created a hybrid system for the Ford Transit. The conversion company has adapted its XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System for Ford's popular van, allowing for better fuel economy and low-end torque. The system works with model year 2015 and 2016 cargo and passenger versions of the Ford Transit, powered by either the 3.7-liter or the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, regardless of the wheelbase or roof height. It can improve fuel economy and CO2 emissions by about 20 percent. Vans with the XL3 system installed retain their factory warranty, and the hybrid system comes with a three-year, 75,000-mile warranty from XL Hybrids. Read more in the press release below. XL Hybrids Introduces the First Hybrid Electric Ford Transit Van for the North American Market The XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System to be compatible with MY2015 and MY2016 Ford Transit cargo vans and passenger wagons BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--XL Hybrids, Inc., the leader in fleet electrification solutions for commercial and municipal fleets, today announced its XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System has now been adapted for the Ford Transit van – the first hybrid electric Transit van for the North American market.

Ford taps Canada-based Multimatic to build carbon fiber Ford GT

Ford has given Canadian firm Multimatic the nod to build the carbon fiber body on the new GT – The Blue Oval says it has worked with this company for 30 years. The global supplier provides parts and engineering to various automakers, and while based in Markham, Ontario it has 12 plants in Canada, the US, Mexico, England, and China. When announcing the decision at the Canadian International Auto Show, Ford says it chose them "because they have specialized equipment for carbon fiber production and expertise in carbon fiber assembly," and we've heard that the 600-horsepower coupe will be produced in a purpose-built facility at Ford's factory in Markham. Even better than that – for GT purposes and for possible hints at a Le Mans run – the Multimatic Motorsports division can be contracted for engineering and race team management. They currently produce the Boss 302R racecar in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, worked on the FR500C, and their Multimatic Motorsports Lola B2K/40 won its class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2000. The first models will roll off the line at the end of next year. Production numbers are rumored to be in the low hundreds, with a six-figure price tag around $200,000. They'll go into production in time for some sort of 50th anniversary celebration of the GT40 taking the the top three spots at Le Mans in 1966. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Ford GT: Chicago 2015 View 30 Photos News Source: CBCImage Credit: Live images copyright 2015 Drew Phillips / AOL Plants/Manufacturing Ford Coupe Luxury Performance Multimatic