| Contents Notes |
This report provides data on the fuel economy and technology characteristics of new light-duty vehicles (cars, vans, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), and pickup trucks) for model years 1975 through 2007. Since 1992 average fuel economy has been relatively constant, ranging from 20.6 to 21.4 miles per gallon (mpg). Based on sales projections provided by automotive manufactures to EPA, model year 2007 vehicles are estimated to average 21.0 mpg, the same as last year, but five percent below the fleet-average fuel economy peak value of 22.1 mpg achieved in 1987. After two decades of steady growth, the light truck market share has been relatively stable for five years. While fuel economy levels have been relatively constant, vehicle performance (e.g. acceleration) and weight have increased. Recent technology developments, such as improved transmission and engine designs including clean diesel technology and hybrid vehicles hold promise for the near-term future. |
