December U.S. Fuel Economy Slips From November Levels

The average fuel economy of U.S. new light vehicles sold in December reached 24.9 mpg (9.5 L/100 km), according to the WardsAuto Fuel Economy Index, an 18.8% improvement over the fourth-quarter 2007 baseline and a 2.2% gain on December 2012.

The index rating for cars was 29.2 mpg (8.0 L/100 km), up 2.2% from last year. December’s score was down slightly from the previous month as smaller vehicles’ market share declined, despite increasing gasoline prices.

Small cars maintained a record high of 30.9 mpg (7.6 L/100 km). The score for luxury cars, 25.8 mpg (9.1 L/100 km), grew from November, but still trailed the 26.1 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) peak seen in August.

Midsize cars (30.4 mpg [7.7 L/100 km]) and large cars (22.7 mpg [10.4 L/100 km]) slipped from the record highs achieved the prior month.

Light truck market share increased for the fourth consecutive month in December, with consumers choosing more fuel-efficient vehicles in this group. The light-truck average reached a record 20.8 mpg (11.3 L/100 km), up 3.4% from last year and 17.0% from the base 2007 score.

CUVs (23.0 mpg [10.2 L/100 km]), vans (20.8 mpg [11.3 L/100 km]) and pickups (17.5 mpg [13.4 L/100 km]) posted new highs last month. SUVs held a second-best score of 17.8 on the index.

Mitsubishi remained the No.1 automaker in fuel economy (excluding electric-only Tesla), as its models achieved 29.5 mpg (8.0L/100 km).

Mazda reached a new high of 29.0 mpg (8.1 L/100 km), boosted by a best-ever car score. Subaru (25.1 mpg [9.4 L/100 km]), BMW (24.5 mpg [9.6 L/100 km]) and Jaguar Land Rover (18.9 mpg [12.5 L/100 km]) reached record highs thanks to improved light-truck numbers.

The full-year 2013 index average was 24.9 mpg (9.5 L/100 km), up 3.3% from 2012.

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