Average Fuel Economy Highest Ever in March for US

The average fuel economy of new cars sold in March 2012 in the US was 24.1 miles per gallon, which is the highest on record, according to a study done by the University of Michigan. The average was 23.9mpg for February 2012. The University of MIchigan has been keeping track of this statistic since October 2007 when the average fuel economy was 20.1mpg. This is the first time ever that the study has found average fuel economy above 24mpg. 

“Car companies are introducing new vehicles each model year that keep getting better fuel economies, and buyers are becoming more interested in this. The two are working together," said Brandon Schoettle, a co-author of the study.

Fuel prices in the US have also been increasing likely having an effect on consumers' buying habits. According to the US Energy Information Administration, a government organization, the average fuel price in the US as of April 9, 2012, was $3.939 per gallon that is actually $0.002 less than last week but nearly $0.15 more than the average fuel price this time last year. The average diesel price in the US is currently $4.148 per gallon, which is $0.006 more than last week and $0.07 more than last year. 

Currently, the average fuel economy of all new cars available for sale in the US is 29.6mpg.