U.S. fuel efficiency falls

The average fuel efficiency for all 2001 model vehicles sold in the United States fell to 20.4 miles per gallon, the lowest level since 1980, according to the U.S. EPA’s annual report on fuel economy trends. Despite the availability of more fuel-efficient cars, many Americans are buying less-efficient light trucks, such as sport utility vehicles, minivans, and pickup trucks. Consumers could save billions of dollars a year in fuel costs and greatly reduce carbon dioxide emissions if manufacturers increased the fuel economy of these light truck vehicles, says the report. Light-Duty Automotive Technology and Fuel Economy Trends 1975 Through 2001 is available at www.epa.gov/otaq/fetrends.htm. Consumers who are thinking about purchasing a new vehicle can compare the fuel efficiency of new 2002 models using EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide at www.epa.gov/greenvehicles. —BRITT ERICKSON