The auto industry's recent proposal of voluntaryfuel economy labeling will not work. Self labeling cannot be a substitute for mandatory fuel economy standards and an official fuel economy labeling programme," says Anumita Roychoudhury, coordinator of CSE's Right to Clean Air Campaign.So far, the automobile industry has been resisting mandatory fuel economy standards. While disclosure of certified fuel economy data by the industry is needed for crafting of fuel economy standards and labeling, the car industry will have to accept mandatory standards and an official labeling programme to benchmark technology improvement, prevent the drift towards oil-guzzling cars, and help achieve targeted improvement in fuel savings, feels CSE. Already, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), an autonomous body under the Union ministry of power, has taken the lead to craft fuel economy standards under the Energy Conservation Act that empowers it to set norms for any equipment or appliances "which consumes, generates, transmits or supplies energy". The overarching scope of this Act is to conserve energy. The bee's initiative is further reinforced by the Integrated Energy Policy and the National Action Plan on Climate Change that have categorically asked for fuel economy standards for vehicles. CSE is very concerned that this initiative is being opposed by the car industry. Its patron ministry-the ministry of heavy industries is also supporting the industry's voluntary initiative. This must not be allowed to dilute the stand on the mandatory fuel economy standards. Legally enforceable standards a must Volantarism, according to CSE, has not worked anywhere in the world. Europe has failed to meet its targeted CO2 reduction (which is directly linked to fuel consumption of cars) due to voluntary approaches of the industry and is now moving towards mandatory standards. Only legally enforceable standards can ensure targeted improvement in technology and have in-built safeguards to prevent the drift towards heavier vehicles that guzzle more fuel. In India, not only have car numbers increased, demand is also shifting towards mid-sized and bigger cars. The share of mini cars in total car sales has dropped from 21 per cent in 2001-02 to 6 per cent in 2006-07. A staggering 48 per cent growth has been reported in the mid-size segment, while sales of compact cars have grown by a paltry 0.3 per cent in June. Luxury car numbers are also increasing. Industry's voluntary efforts cannot reverse this trend. Energy security a key priority Energy security and fuel savings are India's national priority. India imports 75 per cent of the crude oil requirement. Already under recoveries of oil prices is increasing off budget liability and inflation. Indian consumers are more sensitive to fuel efficiency. Fuel economy regulations can be successful only if consumers are able to understand and respond. This will help to change the market fast. The Integrated Energy Policy 2006 estimates that 50 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency can help save nearly 86 million tonnes of fuel by 2030-31 which is estimated to be nearly 65 per cent of total current consumption and in terms of carbon dioxide emissions reduction it is equal to removing 7 million of today's four wheeled vehicles. Climate benefit will thus be an ancillary benefit of the fuel economy regulations. CSE strongly urges the government to enforce mandatory fuel economy standards for cars, labeling of all car models based on their fuel economy levels and a policy of mandatory disclosure of fuel economy of vehicle for all car models. (Source: Centre for Science and Environment)