University of Michigan Finds U.S. New-Vehicle Fuel Economy at Record High, Emissions at Record Low

ANN ARBOR, MI – The University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) found that the average fuel economy of new vehicles sold in the U.S. was at a record high of 24.1 mpg in November, tying the number from October 2012, and is up 4 mpg from October 2007, when UMTRI started monitoring new-vehicle fuel economy.

This is a 20% improvement in fuel economy and corresponds to a 17% reduction in fuel consumed in gallons per mile. UMTRI added that it adjusted all of its values to take into account the reduced EPA fuel-economy ratings for Hyundai and Kia.

In addition to fuel economy, UMTRI tracks emissions via its Eco-Driving Index (EDI). As of September, EDI was at 0.80, which is a 20% improvement since October 2007. The EDI takes into account vehicle fuel economy and distance driven.