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The article focuses on manufacturers of hybrid vehicles, including Toyota Motor Corp. and Chevrolet, that are lobbying in Washington D.C. to block proposed legislation that would feature the toughest proposals ever seen for raising federal mileage standards in automobiles. The lobbying has been attributed to the automobile manufacturers' desire to keep producing their best selling vehicles, including trucks and sport utility vehicles, which are notoriously low on fuel mileage.

The article reports that the U.S. government is considering expanding federal fuel-economy standards to cover the largest sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Beginning in 2011, the vehicles may face the same standards as cars and light trucks. The existing standards, developed in the 1970s, did not cover SUVs because no one imagined such heavy vehicles would be in noncommercial use. The regulations would have the most effect on General Motors, with four heavy SUVs.

States that large sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks in the United States could be subjected to a roof-strength test. The proposal by federal regulators to improve automobile safety and standards for stronger roofs; The projected costs to the auto industry and projected lives saved; Information about current roof-strength standards and injuries from rollover accidents; Indication the proposed rule changes will be published in the Federal Register so interested parties can respond to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Two aspects of current regulation that will be affected by the proposal: the weight of vehicles and the roof's ability to pass a crush-resistance test; How compliance with roof rules could affect the regulation for fuel-economy standards.

The article presents business forecasting regarding the first quarter earnings of the Caterpillar Corp for 2007. Industry analysts feel that the company will report that per share earnings are down from $1.20 in 2006 to $1.08 due to a slow down in the housing industry and new diesel emissions standards which require new trucks to be equipped with clean running engines.The standards could effect the company's engine business which accounts for 14% of its revenue.

Reports the number of vehicles being recalled by automobile manufacturers is increasing. Statistics indicating an increase of vehicle recalls in 2003 and since 1993, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Factors leading to the increase in the number of recalls, which automobile manufacturers say are not related to quality standards; View of industry critics that the data point to manufacturers trying to cut costs and speed development; Comments from David Champion, director of Consumer Union's auto-testing center, regarding the recall increase; Types of cars being recalled, suggesting the problems cut across all classes of vehicles.

Reports on the effort of the staff of the California Energy Commission and the California Air Resources Board to urge the U.S. government to increase its fuel-economy standards for cars and light trucks.