More on CAFE Reform - A Potential Threat to Minivans

[Bruce Levinson]

Part of the government's proposal for overhauling their fuel economy regulations is to prevent automakers from classifying more car-like SUVs as light trucks. A key element of the proposed redefinition of light trucks "would tighten rules that allow automakers to classify any vehicle with a flat cargo floor as a truck." However, according to AutoWeek Online, NHTSA is cautious about this redefinition because of concern that it would "deter the emerging fleet of crossover vehicles and significantly impair the minivan market."

The article notes that "NHTSA helped launch the minivan boom 20 years ago by allowing virtually any vehicle whose interior can be converted to a flat cargo floor to be called a truck." Furthermore, tightening the definition of light trucks could reduce saftey. The article notes that "eliminating the flat-floor provision would reduce overall safety if it hurt crossovers and minivans, regulators say. If these vehicles were reclassified as cars, automakers would have to improve fuel efficiency by designing lighter vehicles with smaller engines."

It is essential that NHTSA carefully consider the impact any new definition of light trucks would have on American families, including on their safety, their budget and their transportation choices.

The Secretary of Transportation has stated that their proposal is "the beginning of an important national dialogue." You need to participate in that dialogue.

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