by Mark Phelan
Detroit Free Press
October 21, 2012
The U.S. government has set tough fuel economy standards for cars and trucks, and Detroit’s automakers couldn’t be happier.
What mad world is this? The famously balky industry that once swore people could never afford cars with crazy technology like air bags has taken a leap of faith in its ability to invent and innovate.
“They’re aggressive standards, but the industry wouldn’t have bought in if they weren’t achievable,” said Chris Theodore, engineering consultant and former Ford and Chrysler product development chief. “They’re embracing the standards because fuel economy has become important to customers.”