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Rockin Ronnie
http://www.autonet.ca/AutonetStories/Stories.cfm?StoryID=10740
Subaru modifies Outback to make it a truck
by Associated Press posted Jan 13, 2004
DETROIT (AP) -- Subaru is modifying its Outback sedan and wagon to
meet the specifications of a light truck, a classification with less
stringent fuel and emissions standards than for cars.
Mike Whelan, a spokesman for Subaru of America Inc., said Jan. 13,
2004 that the changes for the 2005 model year are in response to feedback
from Outback owners who requested features allowed only in trucks, such as
higher ground clearance and tinted side-rear windows.
U.S. Federal regulations on fuel economy and emissions divide
companies' fleets into two categories -- cars and light trucks. An
automaker's car fleet must have an average fuel economy of 27.5 miles per
gallon for the 2005 model year, while trucks must average 21 miles. By
pushing a borderline vehicle into the truck fleet, a company gains more
flexibility for that vehicle and can also boost its truck-fleet average.
Emissions standards for trucks are also less stringent than those for
cars.
Brendan Bell, a global warming expert with the Sierra Club, said the
modifications set "a dangerous precedent."
He said Subaru was able to get the Outback sedan classified as a truck
because of its four-wheel drive capability and that other companies might
now seek to get sedans with all-wheel drive classified as trucks.
"Subaru markets this vehicle as the alternative to an SUV," Bell said.
"That's the real irony to this. They're betraying consumers' trust and
giving them a dirtier vehicle."
Whelan acknowledged that the Outback switch, initially reported by The
New York Times on Jan. 13, will subject it to lower fuel economy and
environmental standards, but emphasized the main reason was to provide the
features customers want.
Whelan said fuel economy figures for the 2005 Outback, which is to be
introduced at the Chicago Auto Show next month, were not yet available.
Subaru modifies Outback to make it a truck
by Associated Press posted Jan 13, 2004
DETROIT (AP) -- Subaru is modifying its Outback sedan and wagon to
meet the specifications of a light truck, a classification with less
stringent fuel and emissions standards than for cars.
Mike Whelan, a spokesman for Subaru of America Inc., said Jan. 13,
2004 that the changes for the 2005 model year are in response to feedback
from Outback owners who requested features allowed only in trucks, such as
higher ground clearance and tinted side-rear windows.
U.S. Federal regulations on fuel economy and emissions divide
companies' fleets into two categories -- cars and light trucks. An
automaker's car fleet must have an average fuel economy of 27.5 miles per
gallon for the 2005 model year, while trucks must average 21 miles. By
pushing a borderline vehicle into the truck fleet, a company gains more
flexibility for that vehicle and can also boost its truck-fleet average.
Emissions standards for trucks are also less stringent than those for
cars.
Brendan Bell, a global warming expert with the Sierra Club, said the
modifications set "a dangerous precedent."
He said Subaru was able to get the Outback sedan classified as a truck
because of its four-wheel drive capability and that other companies might
now seek to get sedans with all-wheel drive classified as trucks.
"Subaru markets this vehicle as the alternative to an SUV," Bell said.
"That's the real irony to this. They're betraying consumers' trust and
giving them a dirtier vehicle."
Whelan acknowledged that the Outback switch, initially reported by The
New York Times on Jan. 13, will subject it to lower fuel economy and
environmental standards, but emphasized the main reason was to provide the
features customers want.
Whelan said fuel economy figures for the 2005 Outback, which is to be
introduced at the Chicago Auto Show next month, were not yet available.