New safety and environmental regulations proposed by federal regulators has some automobile manufacturers asking the government for more time to meet the proposed changes. According to Gloria Bergquist, a spokeswoman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, "Automakers have always supported legislation and regulations that are supported by data and science, but some of the new proposals made by the government seem to be based more on wishful thinking. All automakers want, is adequate time to meet them, at a cost that is reasonable for them and their customers."

One of the most controversial proposal is the national fuel efficiency regulations. The fuel efficiency increases that takes effect in September, for the 2012-16 model years is estimated to cost the auto industry $51.5 billion. The proposed standards for the 2017-2025 time period are expected to be even tougher. Automakers say they're willing to support better fuel economy, but want to stick with a reasonable national standard that would allow them to continue offering consumers a variety to vehicles.

On environmental issues, major foreign and domestic automakers have already filed suit against the Environmental Protection Agency and their approval of a higher blend of ethanol for newer vehicles. The auto makers feel the increase in ethanol could harm engines and that more research is needed before it can be approved.

On safety issues, they are seeking changes in safety rules, like plans to require additional safeguards to keep motorists from being ejected in crashes, and backup cameras. Automakers say that some of these changes impose impractical burdens on manufacturers, which could lead to major vehicle redesigns potentially halting the production of some vehicles.

Last month, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, (GM, Ford and Chrysler) hired former Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt as president of a group that lobbies Congress on their behalf. They say that these rules will encourage the automobile industry to suffer. "If consumers do not buy the vehicles that manufacturers are required to produce, sales will fall, production will slow and manufacturers will be forced to eliminate jobs.