Posted 12/28/2015

Obviously year-end results for 2015 aren’t available but this year’s results might fail to move upward for domestic automakers.

In August 2012 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was optimistic in the demand for an increase of fuel economy to the equivalent of 54.5 mpg for cars and light-duty trucks by model year 2025.

Based on the EPA report released on December 8th, the average 2014 mpg was 24.2 which was the same as 2013. The increase in 2013 over the previous year of 0.6 mpg is not on track to reach the 2025 requirement.

There are several reasons why the mpg isn’t increasing, particularly with domestic brands. Light-duty trucks accounted for 41% of new vehicles sales in 2014, up from 36% in 2013 and imports accounted for only a small number of vehicles in this category.

Electric and natural gas powered vehicles haven’t sold in the numbers projected even though the government and manufacturers have offered huge incentives.

Low gasoline prices have influenced buyers and crossovers and SUVs continue to be attractive to buyers.

The top five fuel efficient brands in 2014 are: