U.S. Light Vehicles Set Fuel-Economy Record in May

The WardsAuto Fuel Economy Index indicates the average fuel economy of light vehicles sold in the U.S. in May rose to an all-time high of 25.5 mpg (9.2 L/100 km), up 0.9% over year-ago and 22.0% above the base index score set in fourth-quarter 2007.

The market shifted to light trucks and away from cars compared with the previous year. However, the smaller, lighter segments in each vehicle type gained share. This change in mix especially affected Daimler, Ford, Mitsubishi and Volkswagen, allowing them to record all-time results.

The rating for cars hit a record 29.6 mpg (8.0 L/100 km), ticking up 0.2% from year-ago. All car segments posted higher outcomes than prior-year except midsize cars, which saw a 2.7% drop as the share of electrified powertrains decreased significantly. Large cars improved 1.7% to a peak score of 22.4 mpg (10.5 L/100 km).

Light trucks also reached an all-time high with a 4.1% gain on year-ago to 21.9 mpg (10.8 L/100 km). Pickups continued to see major progress from last year, up 9.6%. CUVs, the highest-rated light-truck segment at 23.9 mpg (9.8 L/100 km), showed the greatest market share growth from May 2014.

Volkswagen became the third automaker to surpass 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km). Sales of the Golf EV along with consumer interest in smaller models boosted the May score to 30.1 mpg (7.8 L/100 km).

Few companies had year-over-year declines. Toyota saw the biggest drop, falling 4.0% to 27.2 mpg (8.6 L/100 km), due to a decline in the sales of hybrids, plug-ins and electric vehicles.

Domestically built light vehicles reached a record high of 25.0 mpg (9.4 L/100 km). The rating for imported light vehicles slipped 1.6% from last year.

The national average gasoline price was $2.802 per gallon in May, 9.7% higher than in April and 25.3% below May 2014. Hybrid, plug-in and diesel-powered vehicles lost some market share to gasoline-powertrain models from same-month year-ago.

Year-to-date, the index rating sat at 25.4 mpg (9.3 L/100 km), 1.2% above the same period in 2014.

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