"EPA: US Cars More Efficient Than Ever"

"The average fuel economy of new US cars and trucks hit a record 24.1 miles per gallon (mpg) last year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Overall fuel economy for new cars and trucks has risen almost 5 mpg since 2004."

"New cars and trucks in the U.S. got a record 24.1 miles per gallon on average last year, but the rate of improvement is slowing as buyers shift back toward trucks and SUVs.

The Environmental Protection Agency says fuel economy rose one-half mile per gallon over 2012, mainly because automakers have improved gas engines and transmissions and added turbochargers to give smaller motors more power.

"We are thrilled to see that manufacturers continue to innovate and are bringing technologies to improve fuel economy online even faster than anticipated,' EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said in a statement. 'Consumers now have many more choices when shopping for vehicles with higher fuel economy and lower emissions compared to just five years ago. These choices reflect both a more diverse range of technology packages on conventional gasoline vehicles as well as more advanced technology and alternative-fueled vehicles.'"

The Christian Science Monitor had the story October 8, 2014.

SEE ALSO:

"MPG a Record 24.1 for 2013 Models, Feds Say" (USA TODAY)

"Average New Vehicle Fuel Economy Hits Record 24.1 Miles Per Gallon, Says EPA" (AP)