Featured Fleet fuel efficiency

Source: Average new-vehicle fuel economy the best it's been in years - Roadshow

Considering that the market has not stopped its shift toward larger crossovers, which can be thirstier than comparable sedans, the rising fuel economy average is a good sign. Cars are getting more efficient, and as electrified offerings increase and are included alongside gas-powered versions of the same vehicle, this number will likely continue to rise in the coming years, unless Ford starts offering free pickup trucks to literally anyone with a pulse.
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There is another hypothesis, a grim one, that claims the automotive product mix is changing with a reduction of light trucks. Over the past months, Autoline Daily has reported large commercial truck sales have also decreased, a leading economic indicator of a downturn coming. But the same could be said for light trucks.

I welcome efficiency, getting more for less. But we've been monitoring efficient car sales and there is no evidence of significant growth. The hoped for, fleet improvements, well there have been some but they flat-lined over three years ago. Peak Prius sales were September 2013 and though we've seen improvements in specific lines, it has not been across the board. The grim hypothesis remains.

Bob Wilson