On the Dash: The new rules put the projected 2031 fleetwide fuel economy average at about 34.5 mpg, down from roughly 50.4 mpg projected under the 2024 standards. Lower requirements could give automakers more flexibility across gasoline-powered cars, SUVs and pickups as they plan future product mix. The change comes as dealers and consumers continue to navigate vehicle affordability, fuel costs and shifting demand across gasoline, hybrid and electric models. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finalized a new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) framework Monday, replacing the more stringent trajectory the agency set in 2024. Under the final rule, NHTSA projects a fleetwide average fuel economy of about…
