50by50: Global Fuel Economy Initiative


The Global Fuel Economy Initiative exists to promote debate and discussion around the issue of fuel economy. On the basis of current evidence on existing technologies, we believe that huge gains could be made in the fuel economy, gains which could help every country, but particularly those in the developing world, to address the pressing issues of climate change, energy security and sustainable mobility which they face. In the longer term we want to see real improvements in the fuel economy capacity of the global car fleet. To that end, we will continue to raise awareness, present evidence, and offer support, in a way which enables more and more countries to adopt effective fuel economy standards and policies which work in their circumstances and with their fleet.

There can be no doubt about the scale of the global challenge of tackling man-made climate change and, in particular, the role played by transport. With a global car fleet predicted to triple by 2050 - over 80% of that in the developing world -- and now, with a global economy facing huge difficulties, we have to find a way to reconcile legitimate aspirations for mobility, an ambitious reduction in CO2 from cars worldwide, and global economic recovery.

We believe that the findings of this report are extremely significant in addressing that challenge. A move across the global fleet towards far better fuel economy at a scale which is already technically achievable, could save over 6 billion barrels of oil per year by 2050, and close to half of CO2 emissions from cars, as well as generate significant local air pollution benefits - and all using existing, cost-effective technologies. This is simply too good to ignore.

The FIA Foundation, IEA, ITF and UNEP have been working in partnership as the Global Fuel Economy Initiative for some months, and are now launching the 50by50 challenge, to take these ideas forward.

Our explicit objective is to promote further research, discussion and action to improve fuel economy worldwide. We intend that this work will be intensely practical, and focused on making a real difference - from working with governments in developing policies to encourage fuel economy improvement for vehicles produced or sold in their countries, to supporting regional awareness initiatives that provide consumers and decision makers with the information they need to make informed choices.

The four core activities of the GFEI are:

  1. data development and analysis of fuel economy potentials by country and region;
  2. support for national and regional policy-making efforts;
  3. outreach to stakeholders (e.g. vehicle manufacturers);
  4. information campaigns around the world to educate consumers and stakeholders.

During this period, the GFEI will:

  • Launch the 50by50 campaign in Latin America and Central and Eastern Europe
  • Launch the initiative in India around the Environmentally Friendly Vehicles Conference in New Delhi
  • Host a major dialogue meeting to develop the ideas behind the work
  • Publish the State of the World’s Fuel Economy Report at the ITF ministerial in Leipzig
  • Launch the 50by50 website
  • Establish a GFEI Advisory Group
  • Launch a global GFEI Clean Vehicles and Improved Fuel Efficiency Toolkit
  • Developed national pilot projects in all regions, including in Indonesia, Costa Rica and Chile
  • Present the campaign in a range of policy fora
  • Develop a policy engagement strategy for each region

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