LaHood: Detroit can do it

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, in Detroit for the North American International Auto Show, taped a segment with me for Am I Right this morning and said he isn’t worried that tough new fuel economy mandates will limit consumer choices.
LaHood said Detroit “has the best engineers in the world” and would be able to meet the fleetwide 54 mile per gallon average by 2025 while still offering an array of models, including large trucks and suvs.
LaHood, who drives a hybird Ford Escape and a Chevy Malibu, said he was enthused by the large number of fuel efficient vehicles on the show floor.
He also said the federal government will not move on mandates to limit distracted driving until studies are in on which technologies distract, and how.
While he said “cell phones should be in the glove box” while the car is in motion, he said he will work with automakers to see how they can meet demands for gadgetry while guarding against driver distractions.
It’s obvious how big a deal the issue is just by looking inside the vehicles on the show floor, which are laden with interactive technology.
Again, LaHood says Detroit engineers will figure it out.
We also asked him about Woodward Ave. light rail, which he nixed in December but revived last week.
LaHood said if Detroit’s business leaders can come up with their share of the project — $100 million — and figure out how to cover operating losses estimated at $10 million a year — the feds are in.
I’m not holding my breath.
LaHood said there would be enough federal funds to support both rail and the rapid buses Gov. Rick Snyder wants for the region. A pre-condition of bus funding, he said, is the formation of a regional authority that covers all of Metro Detroit.
The interview airs Friday at 7:30 p.m. on DPTV-Ch. 56.