Sean Duffy Criticizes Buttigieg and Biden Over Vehicle Prices and EV Mandates
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently expressed strong disapproval of the previous Biden administration's automotive policies. He specifically targeted former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and President Joe Biden, accusing them of contributing to inflated vehicle prices and imposing an indirect mandate for electric vehicles. Duffy argues that these policies have caused a significant rise in car costs and compelled manufacturers to prioritize regulatory compliance over consumer demands. He champions the new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards introduced by the Trump administration, which he believes will alleviate financial burdens on consumers and diversify car options.
Transportation Secretary Duffy Highlights Economic Impact of Past Automotive Policies
In a recent opinion piece, current Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy launched a sharp critique against the previous administration's handling of the automotive sector, specifically targeting former Secretary Pete Buttigieg and President Joe Biden. Duffy asserted that the Biden administration's policies inadvertently led to a substantial increase in vehicle prices, claiming a 20% surge over a four-year period. He highlighted a perceived "backdoor EV mandate," which he argued cost automakers billions and restricted consumer choice. Duffy noted that as a consequence of these rising prices, Americans are now holding onto their vehicles for longer, with the average car on U.S. roads being 13 years old.
Conversely, Duffy praised the new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards implemented by the Trump administration. He believes these revised standards will foster greater "customer choice and vehicle options," potentially reducing the cost of new cars by $1,000, thereby stimulating job growth and investment within the industry. Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Farley echoed this sentiment, reaffirming the company's commitment to U.S.-made vehicles in light of the relaxed regulations. Duffy further contended that previous policies forced automakers to prioritize regulatory benefits over design and consumer preference. He also briefly mentioned the Department of Transportation's "Freedom Means Affordable Cars initiative," suggesting it would enhance road safety through "anti-crash" technology, though without further elaboration.
Adding to the evolving landscape of automotive regulations, former President Trump recently approved new rules that would permit the manufacturing of smaller vehicles, similar to Japan's 'Kei' car segment, within the U.S. He pointed to successful models from companies like Toyota Motor Corp and Honda Motor Co. Ltd in Asia as examples of affordable options for consumers. However, this policy shift has not been met with universal approval. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the rollback of CAFE standards, expressing concerns that it would give China an advantage in the electric vehicle market and lead to higher fuel costs for American consumers.
This ongoing debate between current and former officials underscores a fundamental divergence in approaches to automotive policy. One side emphasizes market freedom, consumer affordability, and technological diversity, while the other prioritizes environmental stewardship and global competitiveness in the transition to electric vehicles. The long-term implications of these differing strategies on the American auto industry and consumers remain a key area of public discourse.