Auto Industry Ahead of Tougher U.S. Emission Standards

Automakers are about 10% ahead of schedule in rolling out cleaner cars and trucks as required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s “Tier 2” standards, according to the Washington, D.C.-based Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.<br>
Tier 2 standards-which limit pollutants to 1% of typical emissions 30 years ago-begin to phase in this year and will require both cars and light trucks to meet the same emission standards by 2009.<br>
AAM says about 35% of this year’s vehicles comply with the standard, which requires only 25% compliance for 2004. The standards also mandate a 90% reduction in sulfur in fuel, a key factor in helping OEMs reach ultra-low emission limits.<br>
Honda Motor Co. boasts that 60% of its new Honda and Acura models meet the Tier 2 standard this year.<br>
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