U of Mich: Fuel economy of new vehicles at a new record high of 24.5 mpg

[Rhiannon12866]

According to a University of Michigan study, fuel economy of newly purchased vehicles hit a new record all-time high in January.

The average fuel-economy (window-sticker) value of new vehicles sold in the U.S. in January reached a record of 24.5 mpg--up 0.4 mpg from the revised December value and up 4.4 mpg (or 22%) from the value in October 2007 (the first month of our monitoring). The recent improvements reflect the improved fuel economy of the 2013 model year vehicles.

The University of Michigan Eco-Driving Index (EDI)--an index that estimates the average monthly emissions of greenhouse gases generated by an individual U.S. driver--stood at 0.82 in November. This value indicates an improvement of 18% since October 2007. The EDI takes into account both the fuel used per distance driven and the amount of driving (the latter relying on data that are published with a two-month lag).





Read more at http://blog.gasbuddy.com/posts/U-of-Mich-Fuel-economy-of-new-vehicles-at-a-new-record-high-of-24-5-mpg/1715-530587-1613.aspx#u9IALluLauuyt1UI.99

[defacto7]

1. 24.5 mpg

Now that is sad. There's no reason not to have an average of 50 mpg other than foot dragging.

[Rhiannon12866]

2. I certainly agree

And with the volatility of gas prices, getting to record highs yet again, if the car companies want to sell new cars, a sharp increase in MPG would be the way to go. I read recently that the average age of cars on the road here today is 11.

[global1]

8. Then Guess What - When The Cars Get 50mpg - The Oil Company's Will Double The Price Of The Gas....

they ain't about to lose any money in the deal. Face it - they system is stacked against us.

[Rhiannon12866]

9. The thing is, we're moving away from gas

From hybrids to electrics and there are projects trying all sorts of alternative fuels, even chicken poop!

[Sherman A1]

3. Agreed

but, at least there is improvement. Not great, but in the right direction.

[Warren Stupidity]

10. Seriously.

[PADemD]

4. My 10-year-old Saturn gets 30-34 highway.

[Rhiannon12866]

5. My friend just bought a 2004 Saturn and she loves it!

[FlaGranny]

6. My 15-year-old

Cavalier gets about the same average gas mileage = 21/28 I think. I often wonder at the lack of progress in 15 years.

[Cooley Hurd]

7. Kick!

[CRH]

11. To put this accomplishment into perspective, ...

For over twenty years, 1982 - 2003 I drove an Volvo 240 series sedan. It was a strong well built car for its time, made of medal. It seated five easily and had a large trunk. The four cylinder engine had sufficient power for normal highway and mountain driving. Its smog system was simplicity in itself, and even in its last days, beyond 390,000 miles, passed all California inspections on the first try. Finally sold the car because of an intermittent electrical problem that shorted a tail light, that no mechanic could find. Throughout all those miles I ranged between 27 - 29 miles to the gallon mountain and highway, 24 - 26 city.

That car was early eighties design and manufacturing. In 2012, 24.5 MPH with plastic cars is the best detroit can do? Excuse me for wondering if advanced technology will save us!