I asked Toyota over the weekend for a statement on the recent defections from the United States Chamber of Commerce. Here is their full response:
Toyota is a member of a wide array of groups and organizations. Our association with these groups does not signify that we agree with all of their policies. It means we are there to have a dialogue and engage in making good policy.
For decades, Toyota has had a strong record of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from our products and plants. In fact, since 1997, we reduced GHG emissions from our plants by 27% and sold more than 1.04 million hybrids in the U.S. and nearly 2 million worldwide.
Toyota supports economy-wide reductions of greenhouse gases. With respect to vehicles, automobiles are best addressed by performance standards, such as CAFE, the upcoming EPA GHG regulations, and the harmonized rules now being developed by NHTSA and EPA that will address CO2 emissions from the vehicle. That is why TMS President Jim Lentz stood with President Obama at the White House last May to support a national program to address greenhouse gases from vehicles.
Please be assured we have documented your concern and it is through feedback such as yours that we come to understand the expectations of our customers. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us.
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Corporate Communications
The Efficient Vehicle Leadership Act creates a program that rewards consumers who buy cars and trucks that get better gas mileage than the average overall fuel economy required for its class. Motorists who buy models which exceed that CAFE standard will receive a “fuel performance rebate” (claimed on their tax return or paid instantly by the dealer, whichever the buyer prefers), an amount tied to the fuel savings over and above the relevant CAFE standard. The savings can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the vehicle’s fuel economy relative to other models of the same size. Conversely, for inefficient, gas-gulping vehicles, manufacturers will be assessed a fuel performance fee to pay for the program.
President Obama today proposed tough standards for tailpipe emissions from new automobiles, establishing the first nationwide regulation for greenhouse gases.The proposal also raises fuel efficiency targets to 35.5 miles per gallon for new passenger vehicles and light trucks by 2016, four years earlier than required under the 2007 energy bill.
The president praised automakers, unions and political leaders for forging what he called a “historic agreement to help America break its dependence on imported oil.”
