EPA Works on Fuel Economy Estimates
December 14, 2006 // Published as a news service by IHS
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To provide American consumers with improved information when shopping for cars and trucks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it is issuing new methods to determine the miles per gallon (MPG) estimates that appear on new vehicle window stickers.
The new standards will take effect for model year 2008 vehicles, which may be available for sale as soon as next month.
"EPA's new fuel economy sticker ensures American motorists won't be stuck with higher than anticipated charges at the pump," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.
"Consumers can get more bang for their buck by considering fuel use while shopping for cars and trucks - saving money on refueling costs while helping protect our environment."
EPA's new method is designed to bring MPG estimates closer to consumers' actual fuel use, by including factors such as high speeds, aggressive accelerations, air conditioning use and driving in cold temperatures, said the EPA.
Model year 2008 vehicles will be the first to receive the new MPG estimates. Currently, the EPA relies on data from two laboratory tests to determine the city and highway fuel economy estimates. The test methods for calculating these estimates were last revised in 1984.
To more clearly convey fuel economy information to consumers, the EPA said it is also enhancing the design and content of the window sticker.
The new label will allow consumers to make more informed decisions when comparing the fuel economy of new vehicles. The EPA will continue to work with the auto industry, dealers and other stakeholders, such as the American Automobile Association (AAA), to further educate drivers about all the changes included in the final rule.
In addition to better fuel economy estimates, for the first time, the EPA said it will be requiring fuel economy labeling of medium-duty vehicles, which are between 8,500 and 10,000 lbs., including large sport-utility vehicles and vans. Manufacturers will be required to post fuel economy labels on these vehicles beginning with the 2011 model year.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).