For the first time in more than 20 years, U.S. automakers would be required to raise the fuel efficiency of their vehicles by the 2011 model year under an Obama administration plan to revamp the industry and save it from collapse.  

The plan calls for an increase of 2 miles per gallon to 27.3 mpg for passenger cars and trucks by 2011. New passenger cars will need to meet 30.2 mpg for the 2011 model year and pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles and minivans will need to reach 24.1 mpg. It would be the first increase in fuel efficiency standards since 1985.

The new rules are the first step in meeting a 2007 energy law that will require car makers to meet at least 35 mpg by 2020, a 40 percent increase over the current standard of about 25 mpg.

Chris Killian is a freelance journalist based in Kalamazoo and writes regularly for the Kalamazoo Gazette.