Michigan Reps Say Don't Grade Fuel Economy

Several Michigan members of Congress, among those asking the Obama administration not to give vehicles letter grades to rate their fuel economy performance, saying the proposed grading system, "unfairly promotes certain vehicles over others."

A vehicles fuel economy is currently displayed on the window sticker.  The proposal would add the letter grade, similar to those given to students in school.  The average vehicle would get a B-.

Highly fuel efficient vehicles, like hybrids, would get "A" grades, with most SUV's, getting a "C" grade or below.

Fifty three members of congress sending a letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson saying they need to stick with the current formula, that gives miles-per-gallon, along with an estimate of annual fuel costs.

"Consumers are very familiar with the mpg metric and rely on it when purchasing a new motor vehicle," said the letter, which was signed by 8 members of the Michigan delegation, including both Republican's and Democrats.

The stickers are being updated as part of an energy bill that passed in 2007.  But the letter from congress says adding a letter grade would only ad to the confusion.

"We hope you will agree that it is essential for consumers to have clear and concise information about the fuel economy performance of their vehicle."