New Fuel-Efficient Models Boost November Fuel Economy

The WardsAuto Fuel Economy Index for U.S. light-vehicle sales reached 25.0 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) in November, marking a 2.3% gain from year-ago and a 19.2% improvement on the fourth-quarter 2007 base score. The score rose for the second consecutive month, but is still behind the record-high 25.1 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) rating in August.

Average national gasoline prices dropped for the fifth month in a row.

More ‘14 model  vehicles entered the market, and those with revised powertrains and design elements for improved fuel efficiency brought up the market average.

Cars maintained an average fuel-economy of 29.3 mpg (8.0 L/100 km) from the previous month, up 2.9% from last year.

The average fuel economy of small cars remained stable at 30.8 mpg (7.6 L/100 km), but the segment’s market share increased. Large cars achieved a record 22.9 mpg (10.3 L/100 km), up 5.6% from November 2012.

Cancelling out those positive factors, midsize (30.4 mpg [7.7 L/100 km]) and luxury cars (25.6 mpg [9.2 L/100 km]) index ratings slightly declined.

Light trucks hit a new high of 20.8 mpg (11.3 L/100 km), up 2.5% from last year and 0.8% from the prior month.

The boost came partly from an increase in the share of CUVs, the most fuel-efficient light-truck segment, at 22.9 mpg (10.3 L/100 km). The average also was helped by pickups reaching an all-time high of 17.4 mpg (13.5 L/100 km) and SUVs climbing to 17.8 mpg (13.2 L/100 km).

Domestic light vehicles reached a new high of 24.3 mpg (9.7 L/100 km). Domestic cars held October’s score, but the light-truck average peaked to 20.2 mpg (11.7 L/100 km) with record-high CUV and pickup scores.

Mitsubishi narrowly overtook Mazda as the top automaker (excluding Tesla), recording a 28.9 mpg (8.1 L/100 km) average. Growing sales of the new Mitsubishi Mirage increased the automaker’s share of more fuel-efficient cars.

Mazda, Subaru, Jaguar Land Rover and Porsche recorded all-time highs with the introduction of updated ’14 models.

Year-to-date, the WardsAuto Fuel Economy Index stands at 24.9 mpg (9.4 L/100 km), a 3.4% gain from like-2012.

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