The data are based on the average sales-weighted fuel economy rating printed on a new car’s window sticker and are compiled by Michael Sivak and Brandon Schoettle of the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.
The sales-weighted unadjusted Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) performance rating averaged 30.7 miles per gallon in September, up 6 mpg since October 2007. These values are not directly comparable to the window-sticker ratings because these are adjusted by the EPA and used to derive the window-sticker ratings.
Booming sales of SUVs and light trucks as gasoline prices fall are likely the culprit in the lower fuel-economy rating in September. According to Kelley Blue Book, sales of full-size SUVs and crossovers is up nearly 7% year-over-year for the first nine months of the year and rose 14% in September, compared with September 2013. Sales of full-size pickups were up 5.2% in the first nine months of the year and up 19% compared with last September. Mid-size SUV and crossover sales rose even faster: 11.5% for the year to date and nearly 20% over last September.
ALSO READ: Can Ford F-Series Remain Top-Selling U.S. Vehicle?
Top Gaining Stocks
Top Losing Stocks