U.S. fuel economy tops 24 mpg for first time

[Playinghardball]

The fuel economy of the average new vehicle sold in the United States has topped 24 miles per gallon for the first time ever, according to researchers at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.

Using the numbers shown in the “Monroney” window sticker, the average fuel economy of the cars, light trucks, minivans and SUVs purchased in March rose to 24.1 mpg, up from 23.9 in February and 23.6 in January.

The typical vehicle sold in March 2012 was 20 percent, or four miles per gallon, higher than the industry average in October 2007, the first month UMTRI researchers Michael Sivak and Brandon Schoettle began tracking vehicle mileage.

The surge in fuel economy should be no surprise to those who have been tracking recent sales trends. Small cars have enjoyed a major surge as gas prices have begun their latest push towards record levels. Compact and smaller models now account for nearly a quarter of the market, up from less than 18 percent as recently as last December.

http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/10/11122287-us-fuel-economy-tops-24-mpg-for-first-time?lite

[surrealAmerican]

1. k & r

This is progress: slow, incremental progress, but progress none the less.