FTC Resumes Review of Fuel Economy Guide

The Federal Trade Commission is resuming its regulatory review of the Fuel Economy Guide. The agency seeks comments on potential updates to the Guide, which helps facilitate the use of fuel economy information in advertising.

The FTC issued the “Guide Concerning Fuel Economy Advertising for New Automobiles” in 1975 to prevent deceptive fuel economy advertising and facilitate the use of fuel economy information in advertising. In 2009, the agency sought public comments on proposed changes to the Guide, and in 2011 postponed its review of the Guide pending new EPA fuel economy labeling requirements and review of the FTC’s Alternative Fuel Rule.

As part of the Guide review, the Commission seeks comments on potential updates to reflect current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy labeling rules, possible changes to current guidance on “miles-per-gallon” claims, and the need for guidance on alternative fuel vehicle claims. The Commission urges commenters to focus on information that helps marketers avoid deceptive or unfair claims.

The Commission vote approving the Federal Register notice was 4-0-1. Commissioner McSweeny was recorded as not participating. It is available on the FTC’s website and as a link to this press release and will be published in the Federal Register soon. Instructions for filing comments appear in the Federal Register Notice. Comments must be received by July 10, 2014. (FTC File No. R711008; the staff contact is Hampton Newsome, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-2889)

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 2,000 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s website provides free information on a variety of consumer topics. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.