Safety Gains From Heavier Cars May Be Cited to Cut MPG Rules

NHTSA analysis shows agency may ease targets for carmakers
Safety could influence decision on key fuel economy rules

Cars move along during rush hour traffic on the US 101 Freeway in this aerial photograph taken over the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Photographer: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Ryan Beene and John Lippert

February 12, 2018 at 8:36 PM UTC

Updated on

February 13, 2018 at 12:18 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

The Trump administration is said to be reviewing the safety advantages of heavier cars -- a point of controversy among researchers -- as it considers lowering future automotive fuel economy targets by as much as 23 percent.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is evaluating the implications of weaker targets as the Trump administration and California regulators discuss the fate of ambitious standards charted under President Barack Obama, according to documents obtained by Bloomberg News.