U.S. fleet fuel economy up 4.5% from year ago

U.S. fleet fuel economy up 4.5% from year ago

The average fuel economy of light vehicles sold in the U.S. rose 4.5 percent during the 2012 model year that ended September 30, according to WardsAuto Fuel Economy Index. Improved Environmental Protection Agency ratings for many 2012 vehicles and a move toward smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles were the main drivers for the increase.

Small cars made up 19 percent of the sales, and crossover utilities, the most popular segment, were 23.7 percent. Vehicles rated more than 20 mpg were 70 percent of sales, and those with more than 30 mpg were 10 percent.

The 2012 Fuel Economy Index overall was 14 percent above the base score set in fourth-quarter 2007.