The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute reported the average fuel economy (window-sticker value) of new vehicles sold in the U.S. in October was 24.1 miles per gallon -- up four mpg from October 2007, its first month of our monitoring.
DETROIT, MI- The average fuel economy of new vehicles last month hit its highest level since at least October 2007, officials announced today.
The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute reported the average fuel economy (window-sticker value) of new vehicles sold in the U.S. in October was 24.1 miles per gallon -- up four mpg from October 2007, its first month of our monitoring.
According to Michael Sivak, research professor and head of UMTRI's Human Factors Group, the highest average ever recorded was 23.9 mpg in February and April of this year.
The average mpg for vehicles sold in the U.S. this year is about 23.5 mpg. In 2011, it was 22.1; in 2009, it was 21.7 mpg; and in 2008 it was about 20.7 mpg.
U.S. sales last month increased 7 percent to 1.1 million cars and trucks sold. Most major automakers, including the Detroit Three, reported year-over-year sales gains, as the industry continues on a path to its best post-recession year yet.
The new C-Max Hybrid led Ford Motor Co. in achieving its best October hybrid sales month ever with a total of 4,612 sales, up 142 percent over October 2011.
Here’s a look at the averages this year from the Michigan Transportation Research Institute:
- Jan.- 23.5 mpg
- Feb.- 23.9 mpg
- March- 24 mpg
- April- 23.9 mpg
- May- 23.7 mpg
- June- 23.5 mpg
- July- 23.5 mpg
- Aug.- 23.7 mpg
- Sept.- 23.8 mpg
- Oct.- 24.1 mpg
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