This year, President Obama tightened the fuel-efficiency standards that apply to medium and Heavy Duty fleet trucks. Although the new standards will not go into effect until March of 2016, businesses with fleet trucks and private truck owners need to have an understanding of what that means to them.
In spite of the small number of these trucks on the road in comparison to all vehicles, they use a quarter of the fuel used for transportation. The goal of the new standards is to see an improvement in these numbers by 2025.
The Goal for the New Fuel-Efficiency Standards
The change in standards for light vehicles is expected to result in a reduction of fuel use by 2.2 million barrels/day. Manufacturers are getting on-board to help put the standards into effect. Additional tax credits will be given to manufacturers of heavy duty vehicles that use alternative fuels. The new dedication for making fuel efficiency a priority is going to change the way vehicles are made and maintained.
The Future of Aftermarket Parts
Aftermarket parts are regulated by the federal government according to the way the parts are made themselves and the emissions that they produce. As the parts that are used in vehicles change to accommodate the new standards, better fuel efficiency and alternative fuel sources, the manufacturers of aftermarket parts will be able to produce more affordable parts to meet the changes in demand.
The Environmental Protection Agency, along with other state agencies, regulates those aftermarket parts that are emissions-related. Today, they are required to meet the standards that are already in place. As the changes are implemented from the new standards, drivers of fleet and private vehicles whose vehicles fall under the heading to which the new standards apply can count on aftermarket parts for quality performance according to these regulations.