Going nowhere fast in car fuel efficiency - National - theage.com.au
Cars in the 1960's were rated at 11.4L per 100km's.
"The improvements in emissions you hear cited are from the promotional material released by car companies, which put the best possible spin on things," Dr Mees said. "But the Australian Bureau of Statistics doesn't put the spin on it: the current rate of progress in making cars more fuel efficient is no progress at all."
While engine efficiency has increased since 1963, car size and extra features — air-conditioning, power steering and windows, safety and entertainment systems — mean petrol consumption per 100 kilometres has not budged.
Freeways had also reduced fuel efficiency, Dr Mees said. "If you drive at 110 km/h, you use more fuel than if you drive at 70 km/h."
Going nowhere fast in car fuel efficiency
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