The average fuel economy figures for new vehicles manufactured in 2008 could represent a 15-year high, according to the latest research.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has claimed that the projected rate is 20.8 miles per gallon (mpg) as consumers turn to more fuel-efficient vehicles and sales of light trucks slump.

This view was supported by a recent study by the New Jersey-based Autodata Corp, which found that cars accounted for 52 per cent of new vehicle sales in the US during August, compared to 47 per cent a year ago.

The trend is largely being attributed to rising gasoline prices - which reached a record $4.11 per gallon in July - although the EPA believes that the current projection has not taken this into account.

A spokesman said: "It is extremely likely that the projected fleet-wide average for 2008 is too low.

"This value is based on...projections made by automakers at a time when gasoline prices were considerably lower."

Manufacturers are currently endeavouring to meet standards set by the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) which require their entire fleets to have an average of 35 mpg by 2020.



Source:

Fuel economy for 2008 may set 15-year high (20/09/08)
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2008/09/20/fuel_economy_for_2008_may_set_15_year_high/