October New-Vehicle Fuel Economy Ratings Flat
Fuel economy for new vehicles sold in October averaged 25.3 mpg, which is the same fuel economy for light-duty vehicle sold in September, according to a study from the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute.
Fuel economy for new vehicles sold in October averaged 25.3 mpg, which is the same fuel economy for light-duty vehicle sold in September, according to a study from the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI).
Fuel economy ratings remained flat due to lower demand for fuel-efficient vehicles because of cheaper gasoline and improved fuel economy of 2015 model year vehicles compared to 2014 models, according to Michael Sivak, director of sustainable worldwide transportation at the institute.
The fuel economy ratings on new cars have increased by 5.2 mpg since 2007 when they first started being measured.
The data is based on the average sales-weighted fuel economy rating printed on a new car’s window sticker and is compiled by Sivak and Brandon Schoettle at the institute.
The University of Michigan also estimates the average monthly emissions of greenhouse gases created by a U.S. driver in its Eco-Driving Index (EDI), which uses vehicle fuel economy and distance driven to determine these figures.
EDI found that the average new vehicle driver produced 24 percent less emissions in this past August than in October 2007.
Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
More Small Fleet

Why Fleet Managers Are Replacing Departmental Vehicles with Shared Motor Pools
Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This white paper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.
Read More →
Boosting Last-Mile Fleet Uptime, Safety, and Value with AI Vehicle Inspections
AI-powered inspections are transforming last-mile fleets by replacing manual checks with highly accurate automated scans that detect defects in seconds. By giving fleet operations visibility into the daily condition of their vehicles, you can identify trends over the vehicle’s lifecycle that enable improved procurement decisions, route management, driver training and accountability.
Read More →
Five Ways Seat Belts Help Prevent Injuries
There are five ways seat belts protect occupants from injuries, according to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Read More →
It’s here: The 2026 Fleet Technology Trends Report
What does AI mean for fleets? Get the answer — and learn other top tech trends.
Read More →
Small Fleets, Big Impact: How Independent Drivers Power Wreaths Across America
Check out how small fleets and independent drivers power Wreaths Across America each December and why their impact matters more than ever.
Read More →
VMS Survey Finds 65% of Small Fleet Managers Run Operations Alone
A new VMS survey shows small fleet managers are stretched thin, with most handling operations solo and eager to adopt digital tools for relief.
Read More →
Tips for Driving Safely on Halloween Night
This video features a reminder from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, urging drivers to prioritize safety this Halloween.
Read More →
AI, Access, and Uptime: VMS’s Next Chapter with David Prusinski
VMS’s new Co-CEO, David Prusinski, shares how an AI-first approach will give small fleets and repair shops the tools to compete like big players.
Read More →
Fleet Managers Share Winter Prep Tips: It's Never Too Early!
Three fleets share best practices to prep vehicles for winter and prevent downtime when the cold sets in.
Read More →
Hot Weather Driving Tips for Fleet Drivers
As we head into another potentially extreme summer season, the risks for fleet drivers remain high, from engine strain and tire blowouts to unpredictable traffic patterns. An expert shares advice on how fleet drivers can boost their safety during the steamy summer months.
Read More →
