Hyundai may have taken the unprecedented step of publicizing its sales-weighted Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) number, but as the Korean automaker itself has pointed out, CAFE numbers are based on unadjusted (non-EPA) numbers that do not reflect window sticker ratings. Into that gap step the auto data-philes at TrueCar, who have created the first index of sales-weighted EPA fleet fuel economy for the US market. According to TrueCar’s release
TrueCar is seeking to provide transparency and truth in average fuel economy, providing an alternative view to Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) ratings that can be confusing and misleading. TrueCar’s monthly average fuel economy helps keep in perspective what each manufacturer’s average miles per gallon per car sold using EPA’s window sticker.
Unsurprisingly, Hyundai takes the top average efficiency rating, at 26.6 MPG, while Chrysler trails the pack at 19.5 MPG. More surprisingly: Toyota’s car fleet became 1.6% less efficient in the last year but still held onto its lead at 28.7 MPG. Also, GM’s truck fleet actually became less efficient over the last year, even as Ford and Chrysler’s trucks improved 1.1 and .6 percent respectively. For more fleet average breakdowns by segment, just hit the jump.
Complete TrueCar data here.
Wow. Those aren’t percentage changes, they are absolute changes, so Toyota’s car line EPA average dropped 1.6 miles per gallon, or over 5%, and Chrysler’s car fleet (ouch, watch out for that “fleet” word with Chrysler, because you just know those 4-speed auto rentals have got to be killing Chrysler’s EPA/CAFE numbers) improved by 1.8 MPG, or almost 9%. They may be trailing the pack, but they showed the biggest improvement.
CUV/SUV and truck sales are up; small cars not so.
It is an interesting measure to see how manufactures do in each segment. Toyota seems to do best in small cars, and sells a ton of them. In other segments they are average or below average and don’t sell as much which makes them the leader in sales based fuel economy. Looks like the reason Toyota wins small car is because of the Prius. The Corolla and Matrix top out at about 31mpg, and I am not sure how many manual transmissions are sold in either of those, making the sales adjusted numbers for these vehicles lower. Toyota is the winner because of the Prius and smaller truck and SUV sales.
In the parking lot here at “Central Office” there are two identical Corollas that often get parked side by side. Same year, same tan paint, same tan interior, same CE package. One is driven by the 40 odd year old (bachelor) director of technology the other is driven by a 30 something secretary who works for one of the support offices. Her vehicle has lightly tinted windows and a baby seat in the back. Can you guess who drives the stick-shift?
That’s right the secretary.
Can you guess who drives the stick-shift?
Manually shifting is out of the question when you’re trying to get a binkie back in the mouth of a shrieking toddler by feel alone.
Edit: Duh! A closer reading of the post shows that I had the owners in your example switched.
Nope she does, so it must not be impossible.
Ooh, another juicy tidbit, taken from the second chart.
Chrysler’s small and midsized car averages beat Subaru. Yes, those of us around here are all at least somewhat aware that Subie’s boxers are not particularly efficient, but I think they still have a lot more green cred than Chrysler. Effective marketing? (Left as an exercise for the reader.)
I think Subaru gets green image b/c all their cars can off road quite effectively and are loved by naturists for that fact.
Definitely good marketing. My Outback gets pretty horrible mileage for a 6 cylinder, smallish wagon. Its the outdoorsy vibe, mixed with the odd fuel efficient move such as PZEV that gets it the cred. Plus, they advertise the cars capabilities and safety, Chrysler advertises its HEMI.
Subies are loved by naturists? (link NSFW)
I always thought something was a bit off about Subaru loyalists.
Another note…
Isn’t this what the new regulations will be based on, sales dependent corporate average of the entire fleet, but using CAFE numbers? Looks like sales trends with gas prices are going to weigh in heavily. Toyota took a hit probably because it sold less Prii. GM probably took a hit because sold more large trucks than it did previously. Obviously Toyota and GM both are making more fuel efficient vehicles, but sales trends have a huge impact on this for all auto makers.
Wow, not much difference between the small and midsize industry averages.
So I see you survived all of the snow birds from MN and WI in PHX huh?
Yup and spent 600+ miles behind the wheel of a 2007 Chevrolet Equinox 3400 AWD with 40,000 miles on it. Plenty enough seat time for a “Time Capsule Review” if anyone is interested.
Well its not like gas is expensive in the US
Yet again, Ford is behind GM.