Washington, D.C. ? The Obama administration unveiled its 2011 fuel economy standard of 27.3 miles per gallon on Friday, saying it was already at work on standards for future years that it suggested would push the industry forward.

The long-expected rule poses no hurdle for the industry, as it’s 0.3 mpg higher than the average of cars and trucks sold in the 2008 model year. That average is expected to continue rising, since all major automakers have committed to building more efficient models in the face of uncertain fuel prices and tougher regulations.

The administration was required to set the standard before the end of the month under the 2007 energy law. President Barack Obama has ordered officials to rework proposed standards for model years 2012 to 2016 to comport with plans for economy-wide restrictions on global warming gases and the target set by Congress of at least 35 mpg average by 2020.