MY2012 Was Record-Breaking for Fuel Economy and CO2 Emissions

April 27, 2014

Patrick Ponticel

Although other factors were in play, the chart show how the leveling off of vehicle weight marks the point at which average fuel economy began its general upward trend--despite a trend of increasing vehicle power. (Chart includes preliminary projections for MY2013.)

Average MY2012 vehicle CO₂ emissions fell by 22 g/mi from MY2011, with a corresponding improvement in fuel economy, according to a new report by the U.S. EPA. The figures of 376 g/mi and 23.6 mpg figures are both records, the agency said. The 1.2 mpg fuel-economy improvement was the second largest annual improvement in the past 30 years. Average vehicle weight was 3977 lb (1804 kg), a decrease of 150 lb (68 kg). Average MY2012 vehicle power was 222 hp (166 kW), a decrease of 8 hp (6 kW) from MY2011. Estimated 0-to-60 mph (0-97 km/h) acceleration time in MY2012 was unchanged at 9.4 s. Average vehicle footprint declined by 0.7 ft² (0.07 m²). A decrease in light truck market share was a major factor in the lower weight, power, and footprint.