Driving change
Automakers promote fuel-saving strategies during energy transition
Automakers promote fuel-saving strategies during energy transition

By Jennifer Palmer

Published: August 28, 2008

Automobile manufacturers say they want you to start EcoDriving as a way to save some green at the gasoline pump.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, a group that represents about 80 percent of automobile manufacturers, launched the EcoDriving initiative last week. The alliance represents General Motors, Ford, Chrystler, Mazda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, BMW, Volkswagen and Porsche.

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is spearheading the campaign, along with Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter.

EcoDriving, which is similar to Hypermiling, is a series of driving techniques and maintenance practices to decrease fuel consumption. While the advice itself is really nothing innovative, some people question the motivation behind the sponsors.

To keep up with consumer demand, many automakers have said they will begin focusing on small, economical vehicles instead of trucks and sport utility vehicles. But in today's economy, not everyone can afford to purchase a new car.

"Of course, we'd like them (consumers) to buy new cars. But there are 240 million vehicles on the road today,” said Dave McCurdy, president and chief executive of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. McCurdy is a former U.S. representative.

The EcoDriving campaign is an effort to support energy security in the U.S., McCurdy said. That includes emissions and fuel efficiency standards for automobiles.

He said the public has had the perception that automakers are against attempts by Congress to regulate the automobile industry, but that's not the case. "We want to build a cooperative approach to addressing these problems,” such as energy consumption, gasoline consumption and climate change, he said.

During the campaign's launch last week, Schwarzenegger said the program is not a substitute for a long-term energy policy, but instead provides immediate relief from high fuel prices.

"During the transition to more renewable and secure energy sources, we'll all benefit and save money from the most efficient use of gasoline,” he said, according to a news release.

Cities such as Denver and Los Angeles have more air pollution than cities in Oklahoma, which may add to their motivation, said Chuck Mai, spokesman for AAA Oklahoma. Oklahomans are motivated more by their wallets, not saving the Earth, he said.

Peter Hodges, president of the Metropolitan Auto Dealers Association, said he hopes Oklahoma does not join the EcoDriving campaign because it could lead to legislation that limits consumers' choices. It's an unnecessary program, he said, and is likely being promoted for a political purpose.

To find out more, go to www.ecodrivingusa.com.

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