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If there’s one group that isn’t sweating over the upcoming 2016 Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, it’s the Japanese automakers. Japan’s “big four” — Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Subaru — have all indicated they feel they’ll be able to meet the regulations just fine.
2016 may seem like a long ways off, but automakers are already planning product for that time frame. One proviso for product planning: The U.S. government has required that an automaker’s fleet-wide fuel economy must average 35.5 mpg. Presently, that standard is 25 mpg.
Several Japanese automakers have claimed that they can reach the standards without additional technology. Toyota plans to have hybrids consist of 30 percent of all sales by the deadline. It also made clear that hybrids may be “just one” technology the company uses to reach the target. The company is researching battery technology that is reportedly superior to current lithium-ion offerings.
Honda is working to reduce vehicle weight and improve aerodynamics. The company claims that modifying its existing technology — largely hybrids — will help it reach the CAFE goal. For what it’s worth, Subaru is adopting a similar policy.
“I think we can meet the rules by improving our current drivetrain technology,” said Subaru President Ikuo Mori. “But if the rules become more stringent, it will be very difficult to do so with the internal combustion engine.”
Source: Automotive News
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