Autos break fuel economy record

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data show that manufacturers surpassed 2014 standards for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while model year 2014 fuel economy remains steady at the highest level ever recorded.

For model year 2014, manufacturers are over-complying with the GHG standards by 13g of CO2 per mile, or about 1.4mpg. Fleet-wide model year 2014 fuel economy remained steady at the highest recorded level, 24.3mpg.

Through 2014, GHG emissions standards have resulted in reducing cumulative emissions by about 60 million metric tons of CO2 – roughly the amount of GHGs emitted from electricity use from more than 8 million homes in one year. In the last 10 years, fuel economy has increased significantly, improving 5mpg or 26% overall. On a fleet-wide basis, 0.6mpg higher truck fuel economy was offset by a 5% increase in truck market share. Fuel efficient technologies, such as turbocharging and advanced transmissions, are being adopted at a faster pace than EPA projected when standards were finalized. www.epa.gov

Caterpillar executive retires to fight ALS

Ed Rapp, a 36-plus-year veteran of Caterpillar Inc. and group president with responsibility for Resource Industries, has retired to focus on fighting ALS – better know as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

“My decision to leave Caterpillar and its people was the toughest choice I have ever faced,” Rapp says. “I love Caterpillar, especially the people I get to work with at all levels of the company, including dealers, suppliers, and customers. But, I have a new challenge in front of me, and along with my family, I will now turn my focus and attention to the next chapter in life, which will include fighting the disease, raising awareness, and supporting those in search of a cure.”

Rapp will remain with Caterpillar and continue leading the Resource Industries group through early 2016.

Caterpillar Chairman and CEO Doug Oberhelman says, “I have had the honor of working with Ed for more than 30 years, and I can’t think of another leader who better exemplifies Caterpillar’s values and who has had such a positive impact on our global employees. Personally, and for the company, Ed’s deep and broad Caterpillar experience, thoughtful leadership, and guidance will be deeply missed.”

Denise Johnson, vice president with responsibility for the Material Handling & Underground Division, will become president of Resources Industries in April. Johnson has managed a division with 8,000 employees in 14 locations and has been involved with restructuring Resource Industries. www.caterpillar.com