Automakers Back Trump in Fuel Economy Fight
A group of major automakers sided with the administration in a legal challenge filed by California and other states over vehicle fuel economy rules.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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A group representing General Motors, Toyota, Volkswagen, and other major automakers filed support for the Trump administration in a legal challenge brought by California and other states. The dispute concerns fuel economy standards, including a fleet-wide average of 34.9 miles per gallon by 2031.
Why it matters
The rollback reflects a shift in federal fuel economy policy, lowering the required efficiency target from the 50.4 mpg level set under the Biden administration in 2024. The outcome will shape how much fuel efficiency automakers must deliver across their fleets in the coming decade.
The finalized standard requires a fleet-wide average of 34.9 miles per gallon (14.7 km per liter) by 2031, compared with the 50.4 mpg (21.4 km per liter) level approved in 2024. The court's ruling on the challenge is not yet known.
The players
General Motors
General Motors is a major American automaker that sells vehicles worldwide under brands including Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac.
Toyota
Toyota is a Japanese automaker and one of the world's largest vehicle manufacturers, known for its hybrid vehicle lineup.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen is a German automaker and the largest carmaker in Europe by production volume, with a broad global brand portfolio.
The details
The automaker group filed its support for the administration on Monday in the legal challenge brought by California and other states. The Transportation Department's finalized standard sets the 2031 target at 34.9 mpg, a substantial reduction from the prior benchmark.
Timeline
2024: The Biden administration approved the 50.4 mpg fuel economy standard.
October 2026: The Transportation Department finalized the 34.9 mpg standard for 2031.
November 2, 2026: Automakers filed support for the administration in the legal challenge.
Roadmap
The 34.9 mpg target for 2031 represents a substantial retreat from the 50.4 mpg standard approved under President Joe Biden in 2024. The reversal places the federal fuel economy framework in direct contrast with the stricter efficiency path set during the prior administration.
Lower federal fuel economy requirements could affect the efficiency and pricing of new vehicles buyers see on dealer lots over the coming years. Drivers weighing gas-powered versus electric models may find the mileage targets for future fleets less stringent than previously planned.
The takeaway
The fuel economy target for 2031 has been reset to 34.9 mpg, a figure drivers should weigh when comparing future vehicle efficiency. Buyers evaluating long-term fuel costs should look at each model's rated mileage rather than relying on fleet-wide averages.
Further reading
For broader context on the policy shift, explore more coverage in Electric Vehicles.
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Should the government require cars to meet stricter fuel economy standards?
