U of Mich: Fuel economy of new vehicles at a new record high of 24.5 mpg

[CRH]

11. To put this accomplishment into perspective, ...

For over twenty years, 1982 - 2003 I drove an Volvo 240 series sedan. It was a strong well built car for its time, made of medal. It seated five easily and had a large trunk. The four cylinder engine had sufficient power for normal highway and mountain driving. Its smog system was simplicity in itself, and even in its last days, beyond 390,000 miles, passed all California inspections on the first try. Finally sold the car because of an intermittent electrical problem that shorted a tail light, that no mechanic could find. Throughout all those miles I ranged between 27 - 29 miles to the gallon mountain and highway, 24 - 26 city.

That car was early eighties design and manufacturing. In 2012, 24.5 MPH with plastic cars is the best detroit can do? Excuse me for wondering if advanced technology will save us!