Toyota, GM Search for Models Over 35 MPG

Opinions are decidedly mixed on the federal government’s recently passed 35 mpg standard, but carmakers are still scrambling to adapt to it. Toyota showed off its A-BAT concept at the Detroit auto show, and it could be one fuel-efficient addition to the company’s lineup motivated at least in part by the new standard of 35 mpg average fuel economy by 2020. The other, the Urban Cruiser – which sounds like an awesome ‘70s crime film – will debut as a production model intended for the European market at the Geneva Motor Show next week.

GM is doing the 35 mpg dance, too, looking to add a Buick model that’s smaller and cheaper than the Lacrosse. It’s also possible that GM will look to add a new vehicle to Hummer’s lineup, potentially called the H4. That’s exciting news, even if the idea of Hummer unleashing an environmentally friendly version of its gas-guzzling zeitgeist symbol is almost too much to even consider.

Buick may add a car below the Lacrosse (AutoWeek)

Toyota could add 2 more small vehicles to U.S. lineup (AutoWeek)