Both AutoBeat Daily and AutoTech Daily took note Thursday of comments from General Motors Corp. Vice Chairman Bob Lutz at the New York auto show. Lutz told reporters that meeting White House proposals to raise U.S. fuel economy standards by 4 percent annually through 2017 would boost the cost of the typical vehicle by $5,000 to $6,000.

The Bush administration has estimated that a 4 percent fuel economy increase would cost the auto industry $114 billion between 2010 and 2017. It calculates GM’s share at $40 billion, although the company says that estimate is too low.

Lutz says the higher standards would require hybrid systems or other advanced technology on almost every vehicle. He warns that consumers would rebel at the price hikes.

Ironically, Lutz made his comments at the unveiling of three Chevrolet mini-car concepts with 1- to 1.2-liter engines. He says it’s a “safe bet” GM will launch production of at least one of the highly fuel-efficient cars fairly soon for sale in various markets worldwide.

Read more in the Great Lakes IT Report.