New cars get better fuel economy than ever before, bring the average total of all new cars that entered the U.S. market in the first half of 2012 to 23.8 mpg—even though sales of small cars have not increased significantly, according to auto industry analysis by Baum & Associates. This is an important shift because, while the average MPG for new cars as a group has been steadily rising, it has been driven up by increased sales of small cars. From 2007 to 2009, small car sales jumped 4.8 percent, compared to just 0.4 percent from the first six months in 2011 to the first half of 2012.

The 23.8 mpg average represents an increase of 1.1 mpg compared to first six months in 2011. Part of the reason for the increase without increased small car sales is that 2012 is the first model year that must begin to incorporate the new federal regulations for increased fuel economy. As a result, there are more fuel-efficient cars in every body style than ever before.

"No matter what type of vehicle you want, midsize car, minivan, SUV or pickup truck, carmakers are now upping fuel efficiency performance across the board. The new era of auto fuel efficiency is truly here." said Alan Baum, principal of Baum & Associates.