In spite of consumers’ affection for SUVs and pickups, the average fuel economy for new vehicles is still improving, according to the Environmental Protection agency.
Vehicles in the 2015 model year were expected to average 24.7 miles per gallon, and improvement of 24.3 mpg in 2014. Average fuel economy is at a record high, the EPA says.
The auto industry is taking advantage of incentives and trying to get ahead of stiffening fuel-economy requirements aimed at reducing greenhouse gases, says Christopher Grundler, Director of the EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality.
Reductions in CO2 emissions, which are tied to how much fuel an engine burns, have outperformed the standard for the third consecutive year.
Some automakers are getting way ahead. Ford’s F150 pickup, the nation’s best-selling vehicle, meets the 2019 standard in 15 of its 32 different versions.
