Consumers Can Save Hundreds Annually with Fuel-Efficient Vehicles; The Fuel Economy Guide and MotorWeek Bring Consumers Latest & Greatest on Fuel Efficiency Standards

BALTIMORE, Nov. 3, 2004 -- When consumers want to know how to save money and fuel, they turn to the U.S. government's Fuel Economy Guide, which for three decades has been the go-to source for drivers wanting the best and most accurate information on fuel efficiency. When they want to know about the latest vehicle trends and motoring news, consumers turn on MotorWeek, television's original automotive magazine show.

Beginning November 6, and running through the following week, MotorWeek (seen on PBS stations nationwide and cable's SPEED Channel) will cover the nuts and bolts of the 2005 edition of the Fuel Economy Guide to help viewers understand how they can get the most out of their vehicle before it ever leaves the showroom.

The Fuel Economy Guide, produced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE), provides new data annually, on which vehicles are the most fuel efficient - and which are not. Available online at http://www.fueleconomy.gov/ or in a print version, the guide provides information to drivers that could save them as much as $300-$500 yearly on fuel, depending on the fuel requirements of each vehicle. The guide includes information on city and highway driving with estimated annual fuel costs. With gasoline prices rising every day from coast-to-coast, information like this is worth its weight in - well - fuel.

"The Fuel Economy Guide offers an estimated annual fuel cost for virtually every light-duty passenger vehicle on the road, including the various engine and transmission combinations available for each model," says John Davis, host and executive producer of MotorWeek.

The Fuel Economy Guide also has driving tips to maximize economy, including the effects of aggressive driving, high speeds, and excessive use of air conditioning and other accessories.

In addition to aspects that can impact fuel economy, the Web site at http://www.fueleconomy.gov/ includes valuable information on how vehicle use affects the environment. For example, every gallon of gasoline a vehicle burns puts 20 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. According to the 2005 Fuel Economy Guide, by choosing a vehicle that achieves 25 miles per gallon rather than 20 miles per gallon, one driver can prevent the release of about 15 tons of greenhouse gas pollution over the lifetime of the vehicle.

This positive effect on the environment suggests the significant impact of consumers choosing to drive more fuel-efficient vehicles.

From nearly 200 car reviews a year to car care and unique feature stories, MotorWeek is the one consistently unfiltered, unbiased information source for auto consumers. Produced by Maryland Public Television, MotorWeek is nationally sponsored by The Stanley Group. More information is available online at http://www.pbs.org/motorweek.