Washington — The Washington Auto Show in recent years has featured politicians riding to Detroit's rescue or debates over fuel economy standards.
In contrast, Thursday's press preview day was mostly a love fest, with administration and congressional officials lavishing praise on Detroit's automakers.
General Motors North America President Mark Reuss said the auto industry didn't always have a "very constructive" relationship with regulators on fuel economy regulations. "You can't just keep using fuel and not improving your emissions footprint and your operating costs. That's a road to nowhere and we all know that," he told reporters on the sidelines of the auto show.
In July, most major automakers agreed in principle to double fuel economy standards to 54.5 mpg over the 2017-25 model years, a regulation the Obama administration expects will cost the auto industry $157 billion.
Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass., who has been a critic of Detroit in the past, praised the new GM vehicles.
"I think the industry will be able to blast right through the 54.5 standard in 2026. I'm very optimistic," he said.
"Companies are competing on the technology and they realize they can't be guaranteed a market share any longer if they aren't moving."
Reuss said the company is committed to the Volt and to reducing emissions. "Gone is the gamesmanship or the scheming or the denial maybe," Reuss said of the industry. "I want to produce cars in this country that people marvel at."
GM announced that Chevrolets sold in the U.S., starting with the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, will carry Ecologic labels that describe environmental attributes.
Ford Motor Co. said it is tripling production of its turbo-charged, direct-injection Eco-boost engine. The engines provide up to 20 percent better fuel economy than traditional models.
Ford group vice president for environment, sustainability and safety Sue Cischke said the expansion will bring the technology to the "heart of the market."
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood praised the industry's "extraordinary turnaround."
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