Fuel economy for new cars revs up to average of 24.1 mpg

Americans continue to look for fuel- effi cient vehicles when they go car shopping.

The average fuel economy of new vehicles sold in the U. S. in October was 24.1 miles per gallon, the highest level yet. It was up 4 mpg, or 20 percent, from October 2007, according to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.

The 24.1 mpg is up from 23 mpg in October a year ago and from 22.3 mpg in the same month in 2010.

Researchers at the institute said their numbers are adjusted to include the new ratings — down in most cases by 1 to 2 fewer miles per gallon depending on the vehicle — for the Hyundais and Kias that the Environmental Protection Agency found had inflated mileage ratings.