Higher fines for fuel efficiency violations

In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) imposes new fines on automakers for failing to meet energy efficiency requirements. This is a return to a measure that has already been introduced but has been suspended under the administration of former US President Donald Trump.

As other automakers face hundreds of millions of dollars in additional costs, the increased fines have been dubbed a major victory for Tesla.

Suspension

The NHTSA Six years ago it announced a drastic increase in fines for energy efficiency violations. Until then, a model was fined $ 5.5 per 0.1 mile per gallon (0.04 km / l). Stated performance requirements Multiplied by the number of cars sold. It was then decided to raise the fine to $ 14.

That measure would normally have come into effect three years ago, but it is Prevented by all sorts of practicesAutomakers challenged the new rules, warning that the permit would cost the industry $ 1 billion a year.

Donald Trump decided to lift sanctions in January last year, just before the end of his term. However, the new rule now refers to increased penalties.

NHTSA has not collected barriers in previous years due to pending procedures, but it will present a series of demands to car manufacturers. “Car manufacturers have deliberately taken financial risk, assuming the fines will eventually be waived,” the commission said.

Consumption

The move is expected to increase that year’s spending from $ 115 million to $ 294 million. At the same time, the emission credits that Tesla perceives through its zero-emission cars will also gain value. This year, the fine will be raised to a further $ 15.

The NHTSA stressed that higher fines make automakers more responsible for violating national fuel economy standards. The move should encourage carmakers to look even further Also reduces fuel consumption⁇

Going forward, the NHTSA wants to implement an 8 percent increase per year. The United States introduced fines in the mid-1970s. Twenty-five years ago, an increase – from $ 5 to $ 5.5 – was announced simultaneously. Since its introduction, the fine has actually lost 75 percent of its fair value.

(LP)