Penton's WardsAuto Fuel Economy Index Shows Industry Reached Record-High Fuel Economy in 2013

SOUTHFIELD, M -- Sept. 17, 2014: Penton's WardsAuto today released the second annual WardsAuto Fuel Economy Index: State of the Industry report, which examines average fuel economy of new light vehicles (LVs) sold in the U.S. as measured by the WardsAuto Fuel Economy Index (FEI), in comparison with prior periods back to Q4 2007, the Index Base Period (IBP) .

The report finds that the average fuel economy of new light vehicles rose to a record high of 24.7 MPG in 2013, reflecting continued consumer interest in fuel efficient vehicles across segments, as well as the increasing availability of more efficient vehicles.

The report comes as automakers strive to meet U.S. increasingly stringent fuel economy and emission regulations set to take full effect in 2025.

The report features data from the WardsAuto Fuel Economy Index (FEI), which uses model-line LV sales, engine installation rates and EPA window-sticker fuel economy rankings to calculate relative average fuel economy of across brands, segments and power types.

The WardsAuto FEI rating for the industry rose 2.8% in 2013, compared with a 4.4% year-to-year jump in 2012. The rate of improvement, though slow compared with the immediate prior year, was directly in line with the average annual rate of improvement over the index period beginning in Q4 2007, pointing toward a steady, less volatile rate of improvement over time.

The 2013 results also represent an 18.2% improvement over the index rating established in Q4 2007, the Index Base Period (IBP).

The report was unveiled at the WardsAuto Outlook Conference on September 17 in Southfield, MI, a quarterly event focusing on near- and long-term forecasts for the global auto industry. The report is now available online at WardsAuto.