WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released the 2007 Fuel Economy Guide to help consumers make well-informed choices when purchasing new vehicles.

“Each year millions of Americans buy new cars, and by using fuel economy information, each consumer can make a more educated decision that will help conserve energy and save money,” Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman said.  “In addition to looking at the miles-per-gallon rating, I would also encourage Americans to buy flex-fuel vehicles, which are also good for our economy because they use homegrown E-85.”

“By fueling consumers with better information, EPA is helping American motorists conserve their money while preserving our environment,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.  “Steering our nation away from foreign oil dependency, President Bush is investing in energy innovations and bringing breakthroughs in fuel efficiency from the labs to the streets.”

Data show that hybrid vehicles continue to lead the government's fuel economy ratings.  This year’s Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, Toyota Camry Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid FWD models top the list.  Hybrid technology can be effectively used to improve fuel economy, as other models leading the list include the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Ford Escape 4WD Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4WD. 

Fuel economy estimates, which appear on the window stickers of all new cars and light trucks prior to sale, are determined by tests that manufacturers and EPA conduct according to EPA specifications. This year’s label values are based on the same test methods that have been used in recent years. However, to ensure these estimates continue to remain as reliable as possible, in February EPA proposed changing the methods to better reflect what drivers are experiencing on the road.  EPA expects to finalize these changes in time to take effect with 2008 models.
 
The following online sources provide more fuel economy information:

• The joint DOE-EPA Fuel Economy website, http://www.fueleconomy.gov/, offers detailed information on vehicle fuel economy, including a complete downloadable version of the Fuel Economy Guide.
• Comprehensive information about EPA’s Fuel Economy program can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/.
• The Green Vehicle Guide website, http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/, provides browsers with a guide to locate the cleanest running and most fuel efficient vehicle that meets their needs.

The 2007 fuel economy leaders within each class as well as the lowest fuel economy models are available at: http://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/overall-high.htm.

Media contact(s):
Tom Welch (DOE), (202) 586-5806
John Millett (EPA), (202) 564-4355