EPA Fuel Economy Report Reveals Mazda Honda and Hyundai Best in Fuel Economy

A US government report revealed that cars and trucks in the country hit a record 24.7 miles per gallon in the 2016 model year, though some automotive manufacturers had to buy credits to meet federal requirements.

IN 2016, fuel economy rose by just 0.1 mile per gallon in 2016 and was projected to hit another record of 25.2 mpg in the 2017 model year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said in a report.

Regulators are considering whether they should revise fuel efficiency requirements as low oil prices have increased the popularity of SUVs and trucks at the expense of smaller cars. Automakers are now concerned that in view of this trend, the fuel efficiency requirements might become too stringent by 2025 may be too stringent, but there is considerable pressure from environmentalists to make more efficient vehicles.

Dan Becker, director of the Safe Climate Campaign, said that automotive manufacturer have the technology to improve mileage and it is the standards that need to be tightened so that the environment benefits.

All major automakers comply with the standards, though some had to resort to using credits banked from prior years in order to meet the requirements.

Volvo and Jaguar Land Rover were two companies which had emission deficits, but they have been given three years to come into compliance.

A Jaguar Land Rover spokesman said that the company is working on using more lightweight materials and downsizing engines to improve fuel economy.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV had the biggest deficit, and fell 28 grams per mile short of the requirements. But the company had credits banked to meet the requirements.

Mazda was the leader when it came to fuel economy with average fuel economy at 29.6 mpg in 2016, but it is projected that Honda is set to overtake Mazda as the leader in 2017.

Mazda expressed confidence in a statement that its future engineering developments on internal combustion engines will help it to maintain its position as the leader in fuel economy.

Hyundai placed second overall for both 2016 and 2017 and said that its performance attested to the fact that “the industry can achieve fuel efficiency gains without compromising vehicle appeal, value, customer satisfaction or performance.”

The three leading automakers form the US – Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler has the worst records when it came to fuel efficiency as they sell more picup trucks and SUVs when compared to their foreign rivals.