Big Jump in Fuel Efficiency of New Cars for July 2009

Washington, U.S.A -- The GreenMonster read a report saying that the average mileage for new vehicles rose from 21.4 miles per gallon in June to 22.1 mpg in July. This is the biggest one-month jump accordingto the researchers.

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.