The AP Stylebook is the "cause" of most incorrect metric usage in the media,
such as the use of kph for km/h. They have a short period of accepting
suggestions in the fall for the next edition of the AP Stylebook. I found the
submittal form open today and they are accepting suggestions through November
15.
http://www.apstylebook.com/?do=social_media
I used the form to resubmit the three page analysis I sent them earlier this
summer. I hope many of you will submit suggestions, in particular for the use
of km/h in preference to kph, and better guidelines for when the metric should
be retained in the article, as well as any other incorrect usage that bugs you.
Write your suggestion in your own style. However, I think the strongest
argument for km/h, and particularly automotive writers is FMVSS 101 (safety
standard on instrument panel marking.) The US requires a "miles" speedometer,
but allows a secondary indication in kilometers per hour. That MUST be marked
km/h; kph would be an illegal marking under FMVSS 101. Automotive writers
write using a symbol that Federal law forbids on the cars they write about
because AP requires them to do it wrong.
If you intend to comment, do so before Nov. 15. After that, the form stays up
but the comments are not really accepted. They send you an email with a link
you have to click on for the comment to actually go through. I learned last
year they close the process after Nov. 15, so I wasted time with a suggestion
no human ever saw.
