The U.S. House of Representatives is set to hold hearings which might lead to more stringent fuel economy standards. In connection with this, the SUV Owners of America warns the legislators that the possible increase in the corporate average fuel economy or CAFÉ standards might lead to problems in the safety and economic aspects of a vehicle. The group is composed of motorists in the U.S. using sports utility vehicle for various purposes.

The group pointed out that the increase in fuel economy standards has resulted to car makers producing cars which have significantly less safety features in order to cut down the cost of production and development of fuel efficient vehicles. "History shows that when the government raised fuel economy standards in the past, it forced auto manufacturers to make more small vehicles in order to comply with the regulation, which put occupants at greater risk of death or injury in crashes,” says Barry McCahill, the President of SUVOA. "Experts say thousands of lives already have been lost as a result of previous CAFE increases, and we could lose thousands more if some of the current proposals are forced into law."

The group maintained that owners of large vehicle like pickups, vans, minivans, and SUVs are not against the regulation of fuel economy in vehicles mass produced and sold in the U.S. market. The group also said that they are in favor of taking steps to reduce the harmful effect of exhaust gas emitted by vehicles. The group is also in favor of enhancing fuel economy and reducing dependency on foreign oil.

But what they are trying to tell the country’s legislators and the general public is that, federal laws pertaining to fuel economy should be considered carefully. SUVOA also maintained that legislations should also consider family, business and recreational transportation, and passenger safety and not only energy savings and independence.

In the past, legislations regarding fuel economy were proven to limit the options of a consumer when buying a car. There are, of course, consumers looking for particular vehicles but because of the strict fuel economy legislations, car manufacturers are not able to provide the supply for the demands. The amount of money in the development of technologies to increase the fuel economy of a vehicle is so huge that car manufacturers more often than not, cut corners on some of the aspects of a vehicle.

One of the more susceptible areas in a car sacrificed by car makers is safety. And this is the point that SUVOA is trying to communicate to the person on whose hands rests the future of the auto industry.

While there are already fuel efficient vehicles in the market, the U.S. government seeks to further reduce fuel dependency by forcing car makers to produce more fuel efficient vehicles.

For those who already have a fuel efficient vehicle, fuel consumption can be cut down with the use of aftermarket parts like those from Edelbrock.

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

Source: www.articlecity.com