U.S. Fuel Economy Up 1.2% in September

The WardsAuto Fuel Economy Index indicates the average fuel economy of light vehicles sold in the U.S. in September was 25.3 mpg (9.3 L/100 km), up 1.2% from same-month 2014.

The national average gasoline price was $2.505, 3.5% less than in August and 28.1% below year-ago. The share of standard gasoline-powered vehicles rose to 95.4% from 94.5% in like-2014, mostly at the expense of diesel and hybrid models.

Diesel prices also fell in September, down 3.5% from prior-month and 33.9% from last year. However, the share dropped from 2.1% in September 2014 to 1.7% in the current month. Sales of all index-tracked diesel vehicles were down 4.9% from year-ago, but were up 7.2% excluding Volkswagen.

Volkswagen’s loss of diesel sales at the end of the month brought its index rating to a low point for the year, 29.3 mpg (8.0 L/100 km). The electric Golf variant, introduced for the ’15 model year, kept the automaker’s score 4.0% above prior-year.

BMW passed 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km) for the first time with a 7.4% jump from last year to 30.8 mpg (7.6 L/100 km). In a market where alternative-powertrain vehicles aren’t gaining favor, BMW increased its September share of electric vehicles from 3.4% to 5.5% and plug-in hybrids from 0.2% to 0.6% compared with year-ago.

Low fuel costs kept shoppers interested in CUVs instead of cars. Cars accounted for 42.3% of tallied light vehicles, the lowest point in the eight years of the index. Cars sold in the month averaged 29.6 mpg (8.0 L/100 km), up 0.7% from like-2014. Imported models hit a high point of 30.8 mpg (7.6 L/100 km).

Light trucks scored 21.9 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) on the index, a 4.8% gain on year-ago. Domestically built trucks improved 5.7%, while imports rated just 0.6% above like-2014.

CUVs hit a record-high 31.7% LV market share and averaged 24.0 mpg (9.8 L/100 km), a best-ever rating achieved the month before.

Luxury cars hit a peak of 27.6 mpg (8.5 L/100 km) in September. The segment was boosted by higher share of smaller body styles and electric powertrains.

The 2015 model-year average was 1.3% better than the ’14 cycle, well below the 4% average growth needed to meet 2025 CAFE standards.

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