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EPA AND DOE ANNOUNCE FUEL ECONOMY LEADERS FOR 2003 MODEL YEAR CARS

Release Date: 10/29/2002
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Environmental News

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christie Whitman and Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham today announced the 28th annual mpg estimates for 2003 passenger vehicles. For the third year in a row, the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius hybrid electric vehicles continue to be the fuel economy leaders. In addition to being fuel-efficient, these vehicles are also among the cleanest vehicles available.

“The fuel economy guide allows consumers to make informed purchasing decisions about what kind of gas mileage a new vehicle gets during normal usage,” said Whitman. “By choosing more efficient models, people will not only save themselves money at the pump, they will help improve the quality of our environment. I believe that when people are provided the information this guide contains, they will make smart decisions that benefit both their checkbook and the air we all breathe.”

AThe DOE and EPA have joined forces to provide clear, unbiased information to help car-buyers choose the most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets their needs,@ Secretary Abraham said. ABy driving a more fuel-efficient vehicle, a vehicle powered by alternative fuels, or even by driving our current vehicles more efficiently, we can all do our part to reduce our nation=s reliance on imported oil and strengthen our energy security.”

A joint EPA and Department of Energy web site, www.fueleconomy.gov, provides detailed information on vehicle fuel economy, including a complete version of the Fuel Economy Guide. The site includes fuel economy information going back to 1985, which can be helpful for buying used cars. The website also includes emissions and safety data for model year 2003 vehicles as well as fuel-saving tips for drivers. The printed version of the "2003 Fuel Economy Guide" will be available at car dealerships, public libraries and credit unions later this fall.

Fuel economy estimates are determined by averaging numbers gathered through tests conducted by manufacturers and verified by EPA. Vehicles are tested in a controlled setting and the results are adjusted to reflect actual driving conditions. All vehicles are tested in the same way so consumers can compare the results when choosing a vehicle type or class. The miles-per-gallon ratings appear on window stickers on all new cars and light trucks prior to sale. Consumers can use this information to identify the most fuel efficient vehicles to purchase.

EPA has also posted the 2003 models on the Green Vehicle Guide website to give consumers a full picture of fuel economy and automobile emissions. Consumers can use this guide to locate the cleanest and most fuel efficient vehicle that meets their needs. To access this guide, visit: www.epa.gov/greenvehicles .

Attached are the 2003 fuel economy leaders overall and by class as well as the lowest fuel economy models.

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Manufacturer/Model City/Highway


1. Honda Insight (hybrid electric, manual) 61/68
2. Honda Insight (hybrid electric, automatic) 57/56
3. Toyota Prius (hybrid electric, automatic) 52/45
4. Honda Civic Hybrid (hybrid electric, automatic) 48/47
5. Honda Civic Hybrid (hybrid electric, manual) 46/51
6. Volkswagen Jetta Wagon (diesel, manual) 42/50
7. Volkswagen New Beetle (diesel, manual) 42/49
7. Volkswagen Golf (diesel, manual) 42/49
7. Volkswagen Jetta (diesel, manual) 42/49
8. Toyota Echo (manual) 35/43
9. Volkswagen Golf (diesel, automatic) 34/45
9. Volkswagen Jetta (diesel, automatic) 34/45
9. Volkswagen Jetta Wagon (diesel, automatic) 34/45
10. Volkswagen New Beetle (diesel, automatic) 34/44



MPG
Class Model city/highway
Two Seater Honda Insight (hybrid electric) 61/68
Minicompact Car BMW Mini Cooper 28/37
Subcompact Car Volkswagen New Beetle (diesel, manual) 42/49
Compact Car Toyota Prius (hybrid electric) 52/45
Midsize Car Honda Accord 26/34
Large Car Chevrolet Impala 21/32
Small Station Wgn Volkswagen Jetta Wagon (diesel) 42/50
Midsize Station Wgn Ford Focus Station Wagon (manual) 27/36
Sport Utility Vehicle Toyota RAV4 2WD (manual) 25/31
Minivan Dodge Caravan 2WD 21/27
Chrysler Voyager/Town & Country 2WD "
Pickup Truck Ford Ranger Pickup 2WD 24/29
Mazda B2300 2WD "
Cargo Van Chevrolet Astro 2WD 17/23
GMC Safari 2WD "
Passenger Van Chevrolet Astro 2WD 16/20
GMC Safari 2WD "


Rank Make/Model City/Highway

1. Ferrari Enzo Ferrari 8/12
2. Lamborghini L-147 Murcielago 9/13
3. Bentley Arnage 10/14
3. Bentley Arnage LWB 10/14
4. Ferrari 456 MGT/MGTA 10/15
5. Ferrari 360 Modena Spider (automatic) 10/16
5. Ferrari 575 M Maranello (manual) 10/16
5. Ferrari 456 MGT/MGTA (manual) 10/16
6. Ferrari 575 M Maranello (automatic) 10/17
7. Bentley Continental R 11/16
7. Bentley Azure 11/16
7. Bentley Continental T 11/16
7. Ferrari 360 Modena Spider (manual) 11/16
8. Maserati Cambio Corsa Coupe 11/17
8. Maserati Cambio Corsa Spider 11/17
9. Aston Martin DB-7 Vantage Coupe 11/18
9. Aston Martin DB-7 Vantage Volante 11/18
10. Cadillac Escalade AWD 12/16
10. GMC K1500 Yukon AWD 12/16
10. Land Rover Discovery Series II 12/16
10. Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD 12/16
10. GMC K1500 Sierra Denali AWD 12/16
10. Ford F150 2WD 12/16


*Trucks over 8500 pounds gross vehicle weight rating are exempt from federal fuel economy requirements

2003 Model Year

MPG
Class Make/Model city/highway

Two Seater Ferrari Enzo Ferrari 8/12
Minicompact Car Aston Martin DB-7 Vantage Coupe 11/18
Aston Martin DB-7 Vantage Volante "
Subcompact Car Ferrari 456 MGT/MGTA 10/15
Compact Car Bentley Continental R 11/16
Midsize Car Bentley Arnage 10/14
Large Car Bentley Arnage LWB 10/14
Small Station Wagon BMW 540I Sport Wagon 17/21
Midsize Station Wagon Audi S6 Avant 15/21
Sport Utility Vehicle Cadillac Escalade AWD 12/16
Cadillac Escalade Ext AWD "
GMC K1500 Yukon AWD "
GMC K1500 Yukon XL AWD "
Land Rover Discovery Series II "
Minivan Kia Sedona 15/20
Pickup Truck Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup 4WD 12/16
GMC K1500 Sierra Denali AWD "
Cargo Van Dodge Ram Van 2500 2WD 13/14
Passenger Van GMC H1500 Savana Pass Van AWD 13/17
Ford E150 Club Wagon "
Chevrolet H1500 Chevy Express AWD "

*Trucks over 8500 pounds gross vehicle weight rating are exempt from federal fuel economy requirements


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