Fuel Economy Distribution for New Cars and Light Trucks

Nearly 64% of new cars sold in model year (MY) 1975 had combined highway/city fuel economy of 15 miles per gallon (mpg) or less [blue shading]. By 2010, 63% of cars had fuel economy of 25 mpg or higher [green shading and up]. Light trucks, which typically have lower fuel economy than cars, show a drastic change in the market in the early 1980's – moving towards new light trucks with 15-20 mpg. While the majority of light trucks sold are still in the 15-20 mpg range, more than 37% in 2009 and 2010 were 20 mpg or higher.