New "MPG" Ratings May Apply to Older Model Vehicles

Beginning with model year 2008 vehicles, the EPA is mandating the use of a newly designed fuel-economy label similar to that found on the Monroney Sticker for light-duty vehicles. The EPA’s goal is to ensure that the information on the labels more accurately reflect real-world driving conditions. The EPA adopted the new method last December to give more weight to driving factors like higher speeds, harder acceleration and greater use of accessories like air conditioning. It recently has indicated that it will apply the new method to older cars and trucks as well. Revised ratings for older model vehicles may help Dealers because they will make comparisons with new vehicles more valid. Dealers should be prepared to advise consumers that their actual mileage will still vary depending on how they drive and maintain their vehicles and to caution them when comparing newer and older model vehicles.