New Average MPG Record Set in March
Consumer preferences are taking a clear step towards efficient gas consumption according to a new study conducted by the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute.
March saw several manufacturers set new sales records, which in turn pushed the average fuel consumption of every car sold to a record high 24.1 miles per gallon.
Gas prices have been driving automakers, and more importantly consumers, to be increasingly concerned with how much a fill-up costs. In March, the average gas consumption of every car sold was 24.1 mpg, a small jump from the previous months 23.9 mpg, but a very significant difference from the October 2010 average of 20.1 mpg.
The push for higher mpg cars is a recent craze, illustrated by the fact that the average of 22 mpg did not change between October, 2009 and September, 2011. Only in the last eight months has the average has been steadily climbing, starting at 22.2 last September and now finding itself at 24.1.
While the trend towards increased fuel efficiency is on everyone’s mind, it will be interesting in the coming years to see just how far automakers will stretch engine technology to save at the pump.
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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