New Fuel Economy Labels Entering Showrooms

MileageWillVary website offers tips and information on fuel economy

WASHINGTON, DC - October 1, 2007: Consumers can now get a better idea of a vehicle's fuel economy thanks to the new fuel labels now appearing on 2008 models. Although these new labels more accurately reflect the way we drive today, even with these changes, vehicle fuel economy will still vary depending on a number of individual circumstances. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers reminds drivers that the MileageWillVary website further explains the labeling changes and offers drivers tips on how to improve their fuel economy.

This year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enhanced the window label's design and content to help consumers better understand fuel economy levels. EPA also changed the way fuel figures are calculated so they will now more closely reflect how vehicles are driven today. Although some of the mileage figures may appear to be down from the same vehicle model a year earlier, the different vehicles' actual fuel economy levels are not going down. They're just being measured using a broader, updated range of real-world factors that better predict actual fuel usage.

"This is a transition year, when some cars will still have the old labels and some cars will have the new ones," said Dave McCurdy, president and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. "So consumers should be sure they're comparing vehicles with the same label format when considering fuel economy.

"The labels and new calculations take into consideration many of the factors that have changed in the 20 years since the EPA last updated the labels. For example, we now tend to drive at higher speeds, with faster accelerations and while using more air conditioning," McCurdy added. "But even with these label updates, consumers should still expect their mileage to vary due to several factors."

Weather (hot and cold can affect the engine), road conditions (hills, road surface and snow), posted speed limits, tire inflation and other vehicle maintenance conditions all influence vehicle mileage.

The Web site, www.MileageWillVary.com, contains an interactive quiz that tells drivers how to maximize fuel economy, facts about how mileage can vary depending on specific driving conditions and a useful question and answer section about fuel economy.

"Fuel economy is important to both automakers and consumers," McCurdy said. "We're pleased to be able to give customers the most reliable information we can to help them achieve the best mileage possible."

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is a trade association of 9 car and light truck manufacturers including BMW Group, Chrysler, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota and Volkswagen. For more information on advanced fuel-savings technology, visit the Alliance Web site at www.autoalliance.org.