Fuel efficiency standard going up for 2011 models

WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration plans to raise fuel efficiency standards to 27.3 miles per gallon for new cars and trucks in the 2011 model year. That will be the first increase in passenger car standards in more than two decades.

An administration official said automakers will be required to boost fuel economy standards by 2 miles per gallon over current requirements.

New passenger cars will need to meet 30.2 mpg for the 2011 model year and pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles will need to reach 24.1 mpg. An announcement is expected Friday.

It's the first step in meeting a 2007 energy law that will require car makers to meet 35 miles per gallon by 2020, a 40 percent increase.