Light-Duty Automotive Technology, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 Through 2015

Abstract

This annual report (the “Trends report”) is the authoritative reference for tailpipe carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, fuel economy, and powertrain technology trends for new personal vehicles in the United States. It has been published annually since 1975 and covers all passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, minivans, and all but the largest pickup trucks and vans. The detailed data supporting this report were obtained by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), directly from automobile manufacturers, to support implementation of EPA’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) programs. These data have been collected and maintained by EPA since 1975, and comprise the most comprehensive database of its kind. New this year data from alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) are integrated into the overall database, beginning with model year 2011 data. These vehicles include electric vehicles, plug in hybrids, and compressed natural gas vehicles. In addition, the EPA and U.S. Department of Justice announced a settlement with Hyundai and Kia to resolve alleged Clean Air Act violations. Accordingly, EPA has updated some CO₂ emissions and fuel economy data contained in the Trends report, and Hyundai and Kia have been added back into all manufacturer specific tables.