Washington, D.C. (RUSHPRNEWS)10/15/08–To help consumers make well-informed choices when purchasing new vehicles, EPA and the Department of Energy (DOE) have unveiled the 2009 Fuel Economy Guide.

“With the new Fuel Economy Guide in hand, Americans now have the information they need to buy greener and cleaner cars and trucks,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “This valuable guide can help jump start any search for a better, more efficient automobile.”

“Today new car buyers have more fuel efficient and alternative fuel options than ever before,” Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman said. “Knowledge is power and this guide provides consumers with necessary information to make smart vehicle purchasing decisions that will save them money at the pump.”

Fuel-efficient models come in all types and sizes, so consumers can save thousands of dollars over a vehicle’s lifetime without sacrificing performance. Included in the 2009 fuel economy leaders are diesel vehicles certified to EPA’s tightest emissions standards. Consumers now have access to the cleanest diesels ever available in the U.S. marketplace.

Each vehicle listing in the Fuel Economy Guide provides an estimated annual fuel cost. The online guide includes an interactive feature that allows consumers to insert their local gasoline prices and typical driving habits to receive a personalized fuel cost estimate. Fuel economy estimates now include the revised test methods implemented in model year 2008. These revised tests better reflect “real world” driving conditions and habits, including higher highway speed limits and use of accessories such as air conditioning.

For the first time, the Fuel Economy Guide is available to mobile users (fueleconomy.gov/m), and is readily accessible from a mobile device, smart phone, or personal digital assistant (or PDA).

More online sources with fuel economy information:
Joint DOE/EPA Fuel Economy website for detailed information on fuel economy, including a complete version of the Fuel Economy Guide to download: http://www.fueleconomy.gov

Comprehensive information about EPA’s Fuel Economy program: http://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy

The Green Vehicle Guide website to locate the cleanest and most fuel efficient vehicles: http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles

The 2009 fuel economy leaders within each class as well as the lowest fuel economy models: http://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/overall-high.htm

Contact Information: Cathy Milbourn (EPA) (202) 564-4355 / milbourn.cathy@epa.gov,
DOE Contact: (202) 586-4940 / Jennifer.Scoggins@hq.doe.gov