Light vehicles in the US have increased their average fuel economy.
According to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, the month from February to March saw an increase of 0.2mpg. New cars, SUVs, vans and pickups sold in the US were advertised at 25.4 mpg in March, the 14th consecutive month that average fuel economy has been above 25 mpg. August 2014 saw a high of 25.8mpg.
“We can probably expect as the model year finishes that the fuel economy will come up a little bit, but usually by the six-month mark, it’s up a little from the previous year,” researcher Brandon Schoettle said.
As previously reported by OATS, US demand for greater fuel efficiency is driving the development of ultra-thin oils.
In another study by the Michigan institute, the average new-vehicle driver generated 18% lower emissions in January 2015 than in October 2007, when researchers started monitoring the emissions.