If the average fuel economy of all new cars on the world’s roads improved 50 percent by 2020, it could save more than 6 billion barrels of oil per year. The International Energy Agency, the UN Environment Program and others believe it can be achieved with existing technology and a few key policies. By 2050, they want to see fuel economy of the entire global fleet (not just new cars) improve by 50 percent.
The agencies have just launched a campaign — the Global Fuel Economy Initiative — at the Geneva Motor Show, and unveiled a roadmap for reaching their target. If implemented, the plan could create new opportunities for PHEV conversion startups, battery developers and electric car makers.
To start, the group is urging long-term, international standards for fuel economy or vehicle emissions as a way to encourage investment in fuel efficiency. Programs to promote tire replacement, fuel efficient driving and better vehicle maintenance and incentives along these lines could conceivably be a boon to PHEV conversion companies.
In India, consumers can soon (?) expect to see voluntary labels on vehicles on mileage details. This is expected to be mandatory by 2010. It is not sure whether the mandatory norms will make vehicles costlier. Emissions regulations is another thing and is not being taken up now because the BEE feels that the common man does not understand the climate concerns as much as where the rupee pinches (in the mileage).
The question then is: does enforcing fuel standards stop at mileage? Can the automobile manufacturers not be forced to comply with international standards in emission?
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