Fleetwide fuel economy up slightly in July

Fleetwide fuel economy up slightly in July

The average fuel economy of new vehicles sold in the U.S. in July was 25.4 mpg, up 0.1 mpg from June. Fuel economy is down 0.4 mpg from the peak reached in August 2014, but up 5.3 mpg since October 2007, when the University of Michigan first started tracking the figures.

The University of Michigan Eco-Driving Index, which estimates the average monthly emissions of greenhouse gases generated by an individual driver, dropped slightly from April to May (the lower the value the better). The average new-vehicle driver produced 18 percent lower emissions in May 2016 than in October 2007, but 4 percent higher emissions than the record low reached in August 2014 and August 2015.

Gas prices remain low and on August 1 reached their lowest level in 100 days, according to the American Automobile Association. The price of gas has long driven consumer preference in car buying.

Americans are anxious for automakers and state transportation agencies to do their part to reduce carbon pollution, according to a recent poll by the Natural Resources Defense Council. A full 95 percent of Americans want automakers to keep improving fuel economy for cars and trucks, with 79 percent saying the government should keep increasing fuel efficiency standards.

And 78 percent of those surveyed agree that –state transportation agencies should take vehicle-related carbon pollution and climate change into account when developing transportation plans, and also seek ways to reduce that pollution.”