
This higher mileage is attributed to the effect of Cash for Clunkers, according to Michael Sivak, co-author of the research at the University of Michigan.
"Cash for Clunkers," or the The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), is a U.S. federal scrappage program intended to provide economic incentives to U.S. residents to purchase a new, more fuel efficient vehicle when trading in a less fuel efficient vehicle. The program was designed to provide stimulus to the economy by boosting auto sales, while putting safer, cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles on the roadways. The program officially started last July.
Read the news item from the Associated Press.