Leaders of U.S. automobile companies are asking congressional leaders to rethink a plan that would increase fuel efficiency standards and could hurt the automobile industry, the Associated Press reported. The Senate is expected to vote next week on a bill that would raise Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards to a fleet average of 35 miles per gallon for a manufacturer’s cars and trucks by 2020, an increase of about 10 mpg over current levels.

Heads of General Motors Corp., Ford Motors Co. and the Chrysler Group, who met with congressional leaders yesterday, said the bill is unworkable. They have been successful in preventing increases over the past 20 years, but this year could be different as gasoline prices remain over $3 per gallon and more people are worrying about global warming.

Michigan’s Democratic senators, Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, are working on an alternative plan that would hike CAFE standards to 36 mpg for cars by 2022 and 30 mpg for pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles and vans by 2025. This would give the automobile industry more time to improve vehicle efficiency and would separate standards for passenger cars and light trucks.