MR. SECRETARY - AUTOLINE THIS WEEK 1609

EV Channels Review

This episode of Autoline This Week features an in-depth interview with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, conducted at the Washington Auto Show. The discussion covers a wide range of critical automotive and transportation topics. Key areas explored include the persistent issue of driver distraction, particularly with cell phone use and texting, and the progress made in legislative efforts to curb it. Secretary LaHood emphasizes personal responsibility and the ongoing studies into the cognitive effects of hands-free devices. The conversation also delves into the ambitious Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, addressing concerns from dealers about increased vehicle costs and the slow adoption of hybrids. Secretary LaHood defends the standards by highlighting manufacturer collaboration and the anticipated rise in gasoline prices. The interview touches upon the future of transportation, including the rapid development of autonomous vehicle technology and the need for regulatory frameworks. A significant portion is dedicated to the dramatic decrease in traffic fatalities, attributed to a combination of public awareness campaigns, safety technologies, stricter enforcement, and improved driver education. The Secretary also reflects on his tenure, emphasizing safety as his primary legacy and expressing pride in the government's role in the GM and Chrysler bailouts. The discussion concludes with insights into inter-agency coordination on safety and fuel efficiency standards, and the potential of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication technology.