WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Environmental Protection Agency says new cars and trucks sold to U.S. consumers averaged 22.4 miles per gallon (9.5 kilometers per liter) in the 2009 model year, an increase over the previous year.
New vehicle fuel efficiency improved 6 percent in 2009 from 21.0 mpg during the 2008 model year. The government estimates it will improve slightly to 22.5 mpg (9.57 kpl) in the 2010 model year.
The figures are based on realistic estimates for city and highway mileage found on vehicle window stickers in motor dealer lots.
Toyota Motor Corp. led the industry in 2009 with 25.4 mpg (10.8 kpl), followed by Hyundai Motor Co. with 25.1 mpg (10.6 kpl) and Honda Motor Co. with 24.6 mpg (10.4 kpl).
