In a statement responding to the policy shift, Farley said the withdrawal of what he called “overly burdensome” mileage requirements marks “a day of victory for common sense and affordability.” He argued that automakers have struggled to balance aggressive federal targets with production realities, supply-chain pressures, and the economic constraints facing car buyers. Easing those standards, he suggested, will restore flexibility to the industry and help companies deliver vehicles that meet both regulatory expectations and market demand.
Farley emphasized that the change does not diminish Ford’s long-term commitment to fuel efficiency or its ongoing investment in advanced powertrains. Instead, he framed the rollback as a pragmatic step that gives manufacturers space to innovate without compromising affordability—an issue that has gained urgency as rising vehicle prices weigh on U.S. households. The Ford CEO also underscored that consumer choice remains central to the company’s strategy, particularly as the industry navigates the transition toward electric and hybrid technologies.
The shift in policy marks a notable departure from the previous administration’s environmental regulatory approach, which sought to push the auto industry toward lower emissions through stricter fuel economy rules. With those standards now off the table, companies will have broader latitude in determining production timelines, compliance strategies, and long-term product planning. For Ford and its competitors, the rollback represents a recalibration of federal expectations that could reshape the pace and cost of the nation’s automotive evolution.
As the industry absorbs the implications of the decision, Farley’s remarks reflect a wider debate over the balance between environmental goals and economic viability. The rollback may ease near-term financial pressures for automakers, but it also raises questions about the future direction of U.S. energy and transportation policy. For now, Ford’s leadership views the development as a strategic opening—one that, according to Farley, aligns regulatory policy more closely with consumer realities and broader market conditions.
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