Consumer Federation of America Report Released: On the Road to 54.5 MPG: A Progress Report on Achievability

Recently, the Consumer Federation of America, "an association of non-profit consumer organizations that was established in 1968 to advance the consumer interest through research, advocacy, and education" released a report titled, On the Road to 54.5 MPG: A Progress Report on Achievability (Apr. 2013). The 30-page report authored by Jack Gillis and Mark Cooper available here, according to a recent national poll lists the following findings:

• Eight-five percent of respondents said they “support” the requirements, with more than half (54 percent) saying they “strongly support” the standard.
• This remarkable support extends across the political spectrum, with 77 percent of Republicans, 87 percent of Independents and 92 percent of Democrats saying they support the higher standard.
• Fuel economy will be an important factor for 88 percent of respondents in their next vehicle purchase (59 percent say it will be a “very important” factor).
• Those who say fuel economy is very important expect to get twelve miles more per gallon (mpg) from their next vehicle than those who say it is not important.
• Consumers intend to purchase even higher mileage vehicles going forward. Those who indicated that their current gas mileage was 24 mpg and who intend to purchase a vehicle in the future, expect a seven mpg increase, or to get 31 mpg from their next vehicle.
• More than half (57%) of respondents who said they intend to purchase a SUV said they want its fuel economy to be at least 25 mpg.