Editor's Note: Improve mpg tests to satisfy consumers
Dan Romanchik, Technical Editor -- Test & Measurement World, 10/1/2003
J.D. Power and Associates recently reported that gas mileage is once again becoming an important factor in new vehicle purchases. In their 2003 Escaped Shopper Study released on September 3, they note that gas mileage is now fifth on the list of reasons new-vehicle buyers reject one model over another—up from 13th in 2002.
It's easy to see why. The price here in the Detroit area for regular unleaded gasoline is around $1.80, and premium unleaded is more than $2.00 a gallon. And these price increases come at a time when many here in Michigan have lost their high-paying manufacturing jobs.
While this may be good news for the environment, it's bad news for Detroit. The top five car models rejected because of poor gas mileage are: the Cadillac DeVille, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ford Mustang, Ford Taurus, and Mercury Grand Marquis. The top five trucks include Dodge Durango, Hummer H2, Kia Sorento, Jeep Liberty, and Mercury Mountaineer. Only one of those models is made outside the US.
I doubt this situation will get much better. The price of gasoline might fall a bit as vacation season ends, but gas prices will continue to increase, and consumers will continue to pressure automakers to improve gas mileage.
This will have an impact on the way we measure fuel economy. I predict that manufacturers will demand more accurate test equipment and test methods. These will be needed to gather the data necessary to improve auto designs that will squeeze more mileage out a gallon of gas and, in the end, satisfy consumers.
Contact Dan Romanchik at editor@aatr.net .
