H-D Systems regards fuel economy as its top area of expertise, and its work has been the basis for many proposed and enacted fuel economy regulations in North America. H-D Systems has supported the Policy Office at the US Department of Energy for almost 30 years on topics related to fuel economy potential, cost, and feasibility for all types of vehicles. Mr. Duleep, President, has testified to both houses in the US Congress at hearings on Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ). In 2007, he was the lead expert witness for the State of California on the technical feasibility of attaining California GHG standards which were being challenged by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. The judge ruled decisively in favor of Mr. Duleep’s testimony and California won the case.
H-D Systems is unique in offering very detailed forecasts of Corporate Average Fuel Economy for light duty vehicles (cars and light trucks) for the eight largest automakers by sales in the US. The forecasts identify each major vehicle model(or nameplate like Honda Accord) and all different power train combinations by engine and transmission combination (such 4 cylinder 2.4L engine with 5 –speed automatic transmission) and provide estimates of fuel economy at this level of detail over the next five period (currently for the 2011-2016 period). Technology changes to each model and power train over the next five years are forecast based on extensive study of manufacturer statements, supplier contacts and industry contacts developed by H-D Systems staff over the last 2 decades. The service is the only one of its kind available publicly and has had major automotive industry subscribers for the last decade. With the exception of the financial meltdown period of 2009-2010, the forecasts have been accurate in predicting the CAFÉ of individual manufacturers.
H-D Systems has also assisted many global regulatory agencies, such as the European Union’s Directorate of Climate Change and Natural Resources Canada, in developing technology feasibility paths and costs of meeting alternative levels of fuel economy standards. With the new push to improve fuel economy, the figure below illustrates the source of improvements and costs to improve the fuel economy of an average mid-sized sedan in the US by 40 to 45% from 2008 levels, i.e. to about 42 miles per gallon.
