WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama unveiled a U.S. government push on Friday to boost auto fuel economy for model-year 2017 passenger vehicles and beyond, and introduce a truck efficiency target for the first time.
Obama's policy initiative, characterized by leading environmental groups as an especially welcome step in the wake of the Gulf Coast oil spill, also includes new support for electric vehicle development.
Automakers such as General Motors Co and Japan's Nissan are racing to roll out the first mass-produced electric cars later this year in response to tougher government standards and consumer demand for more fuel efficient vehicles.
