The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have expanded the amount of fuel-economy information contained on the new-vehicle window sticker. Among other changes, the information will now include the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the vehicle. The agencies adopted a SEMA-supported approach to incorporate graphics, increase type size and use other visual tools to help focus consumer attention on fuel economy. The agencies abandoned a proposal to use an A–D letter-grading system, which SEMA deemed to be too simplistic. Instead, cars will be ranked on a fleetwide 10-point scale for both fuel economy and greenhouse gas ratings and smog emissions. The labels are required on all new cars starting in 2013, although automakers and dealers may voluntarily use them sooner. 

For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.