US says new fuel economy rule could lead to return of station wagons

WASHINGTON, Dec 4 (Reuters) - The Trump administration says its new fuel economy rollback proposal could allow automakers to resume building station wagons, a staple of 1970s and '80s family travel.

"This rule will actually allow you to bring back the 1970s station wagon -- maybe a little wood paneling on the side," Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on CNBC. "We can bring back choice to consumers."

The Transportation Department said in its proposal Wednesday that fuel economy regulations led manufacturers to reshape the market in unanticipated ways "such as by almost eliminating the production of station wagons."