Average Fuel Economy Down in MayAverage Fuel Economy Down in May

The WardsAuto Fuel Economy Index indicates the average fuel economy of light vehicles sold in the U.S. in May was 25.4 mpg (9.2 L/100 km), down 0.3% from same-month 2016.

The national average gasoline price was $2.503, 1.0% less than in April and 5.6% above year-ago. Standard gasoline-powered vehicles accounted for 96.1% of indexed sales, down from 97.0% in like-2016. All alternative powertrains showed small upticks in share.

Cars sold in the month averaged 30.2 mpg (7.8 L/100 km), up 0.4% from prior-year. Domestically built cars (29.9 mpg [7.9 L/100 km]) improved 0.3%, while imports (31.4 mpg [7.5 L/100 km]) rated 1.4% above year-ago.

Light trucks scored 22.4 mpg (10.5 L/100 km) on the index, a 1.4% gain on prior-year. A higher proportion of hybrid and electric vehicles in this section of the market helped the average move up. Domestic light trucks (21.6 mpg [10.9 L/100 km]) improved 1.2%, and the rating for imports (25.0 mpg [9.4 L/100 k]) rose 2.0%.

Luxury cars were the most improved segment from prior-year, jumping 2.8% to 27.7 mpg (8.5 L/100 km). CUVs also showed a big gain, 2.6%, and accounted for 34.7% of indexed LVs.

General Motors set a new high, growing 1.7% from year-ago to 23.6 mpg (10.0 L/100 km), with growing sales of the Chevrolet Bolt EV.

Ford and FCA came in below prior-year, falling 2.0% and 2.5%, respectively, as utility-vehicle sales increased.

Subaru hit a record rating of 27.4 mpg (8.6 L/100 km) in May, up 0.6% from like-2016, due to a sales shift to small cars from its midsize-car and CUV segments.Mazda saw the sharpest downturn, caused by an increase in the sales of CUVs versus cars, falling 5.3% to 28.7 mpg (8.2 L/100 km).

The Kia Niro hybrid helped the automaker see a big year-over-year gain, up 5.9% to 26.8 mpg (8.8 L/100 km).

Year-to-date, the average index rating sat at 25.4 mpg (9.2 L/100 km), up 0.3% from same-period 2016.

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