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Automakers want to stop the EPA's fuel economy rules change, and why that's a shortsighted move

With a Trump Administration looming, the EPA moved quickly after the election to propose finalizing future fuel economy rules last week. The auto industry doesn't like that (surprise), and has started making moves to stop the EPA. Ford CEO Mark Fields said he wanted to lobby Trump to lower the standards, and now the Auto Alliance, a manufacturer group, is saying it will join the fight against cleaner cars. The Alliance represents 12 automakers: BMW, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, GM, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Toyota, VW, and Volvo. Gloria Bergquist, a spokesperson for the Alliance, told Automotive News that the "EPA's sudden and controversial move to propose auto regulations eight months early - even after Congress warned agencies about taking such steps while political appointees were packing their bags - calls out for congressional action to pause this rulemaking until a thoughtful policy review can occur." The EPA was going to consider public comments through April 2017, but then said it would move the deadline to the end of December. That means that it can finalize the rules before President Obama leaves office. The director of public affairs for the Consumer Federation of America, Jack Gillis, said on a conference call with reporters last week when the EPA originally announced its decision that it is unlikely that President Trump will be able to roll back these changes. Gillis also said on the same call that any attempt by the automakers to prevent these changes would be history repeating itself. "These are the same companies that fought airbags, and now promoting the fact that every car has multiple airbags," he said. "These are the same companies that fought the crash-test program, and now are promoting the crash-test ratings published by the government. So, it's clear that they're misperceiving the needs of the American consumer." There are more reasons the Allliance's pushback is flawed. Carol Lee Rawn, the transportation program director for Ceres, said on that call that the automotive industry is a global one, and many automakers are moving to global platforms to help them meet strict fuel economy rules around the world.

Jaguar I-Pace electric crossover sales are taking off

Earlier this month, it was reported that Jaguar Land Rover is due for a turnaround plan to cut costs and improve cash flow. The owner of JLR, Tata Motors, is scheduling a 18-month plan called "Project Change," worth $3.2 billion. But it seems a step in the right direction has already been taken with the introduction of Jaguar's electric I-Pace: InsideEVs is reporting that Jaguar sold 1,200 I-Pace models in October, which represents strong growth for the brand and the new model. 8.7 percent of Jaguar's total October sales consisted of the I-Pace, meaning that the total October sales volume of 13,764 units was largely boosted by the new electric crossover. Total sales were up 11.6 percent, and it was overall the best October ever for JLR. Some 2,500 I-Pace crossovers have been sold so far. The October sales figure is a noticeable rise from September's 710 cars, which itself is a strong pickup from just 140 cars sold in August. These are signs of both production and sales perking up, and it wouldn't be surprising to see monthly I-Pace sales hit 2,000 units sometime soon. It helps that the I-Pace is priced competitively with Tesla Models S and X, starting at $70,495 including destination charge, with Jaguar-like performance and looks. Last month, we reported of Jaguar possibly going electric-only in the next decade, with a portfolio consisting of an electric XJ, a full-sized EV crossover and an electric sports car in addition to the I-Pace. Brexit uncertainty and China-market woes mean Jaguar is on unstable ground, but as its owner is about to run an even tighter ship, and it first full-electric model is visibly picking up the pace, the coming decade could turn out to be a positive for Jaguar. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. News Source: InsideEVs Green Jaguar Crossover Electric Luxury jaguar i-pace i-pace

Lots of Land Rovers, Jaguars and Minis actually survived that near-capsized ship

Despite a severe list to starboard, many of the 1,400 cars and SUVs aboard the 51,000-ton Hoegh Osaka are currently being recovered in salvageable condition, with video showing some of the vehicles from British brands Land Rover, Jaguar and Mini, being driven ashore under their own power. The car-carrying vessel developed a severe list on January 3 and was intentionally run aground on a sandbar between England and the Isle of Wight. It has since limped its way back to port in Southampton, where damage assessments are being conducted on both the ship and its $53-million in cargo. According to the company that owns the car carrier, the ship itself only suffered minor damage in the incident, while Car and Driver is reporting that many of the damaged vehicles will almost certainly be scrapped. Still, the fact that there are vehicles, some of which appear undamaged (look at that Defender at 0:50!), being removed from the Hoegh Osaka needs to count as a net win. News Source: Car and Driver, WonkaBar007 via YouTube Jaguar Land Rover MINI Coupe Crossover Hatchback Luxury Off-Road Vehicles Performance Videos Sedan