U.S. to raise vehicle fuel standards for 2011

The Obama administration plans to raise fuel efficiency standards by 2 miles per gallon to an average 27.3 mpg for new cars and trucks in the 2011 model year, marking the first increase in passenger car standards in more than two decades. Under the changes, which are slightly less stringent than those proposed by the Bush administration, new passenger cars will need to meet 30.2 mpg for the 2011 model year and pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles and minivans will need to reach 24.1 mpg, an administration official said Thursday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to speak in advance of an announcement expected today. The fuel efficiency rules are the first step in meeting a 2007 energy law that will require carmakers to meet at least 35 mpg by 2020, a 40 percent increase over the current standard of about 25 mpg...AP