The release of the report coincides with EPA's announcement of proposed new fuel economy labeling procedures and confirms that the agency is taking an important step in committing to change the way it calculates fuel economy. The existing testing procedures for fuel economy labeling are 30 years old.
"From AAA's perspective, it's about one simple truth: Consumers want to know that the information they see on a government-sanctioned label reasonably reflects what they will experience on the road," said Robert L. Darbelnet, AAA President and CEO. "The government can do a better job to achieve that objective, and can do it without creating an entirely new testing system."
Using their state-of-the-art emissions and vehicle test laboratory, the Auto Club's ARC technicians gathered owner miles per gallon data from 41 vehicles (see attached chart at http://www.aaa.com/news), representing 18 models that include the most popular vehicles on the road today. These data were collected through a series of rigorous scientific tests that included: gathering motorists' actual mileage over at least a one-month period, testing at least one of each model in the laboratory, and measuring fuel economy by driving the cars tested in the lab over a 100-mile standardized loop.
The results show that 90 percent (36 out of 41) of the vehicles experienced mileage worse than the current EPA estimate - by an average of four mpg and an average deviation of 15.7 percent. ARC researchers then conducted a series of tests using an existing EPA test typically used for monitoring emissions called the "USO6" test. This test simulates aggressive driving, congestion and high speeds. The results show that the USO6 test resulted in only a one mpg, or a 4.4 percent deviation, from the "real world" test.
"Our research confirms the current testing system EPA uses to determine mpg ratings in many instances significantly over estimates real world mpg ratings because it does not account for the way we drive today," said Steven Mazor, Manager of the Automotive Research Center of the Automobile Club of Southern California. "The USO6 test does a better job of estimating mpg and it can be done without requiring manufacturers to create a new and costly testing system."
Last year, AAA joined leaders in Congress to call on the EPA to address the disparity between the EPA sticker rating and the mileage motorists were actually getting on the road. The proposal announced by the EPA Administrator today demonstrates a willingness on the part of the agency to try a new approach that will lead to more accurate information for consumers, according to AAA.
"Purchasing a new vehicle is an expensive investment that consumers take very personally and make with great care," said Darbelnet. "Many factors contribute to the decision, with vehicle fuel economy becoming increasingly important as consumers experience higher fuel prices."
AAA says this research also illustrates that the way a person drives directly impacts the mileage they are likely to see, and drivers can play a crucial role in achieving the best mileage possible from their vehicles. MPG varied significantly with the same models when vehicles were driven differently, according to the Auto Club's ARC test.
"Motorists should know that there will never be a perfect test for determining your mileage," said Darbelnet. "However, if we want to maximize our mileage and be sensitive to our environment, we must remember that how we maintain our vehicle and how we choose to drive significantly contributes to saving money at the gas pump and conserving fuel."
Vehicle tests were performed at the Automotive Research Center of the Automobile Club of Southern California located in Diamond Bar, Calif. The Auto Club is the southern California AAA affiliate and has been performing emissions testing since the early 1970s. The ARC features state-of-the-art facilities and equipment operated by highly qualified Auto Club research technicians.
As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides its nearly 49 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services, as well as member-exclusive savings. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at http://www.aaa.com.
