An Analysis of Ford Lease Fleet Fuel Economy Data Through 1986 Models

On-road fuel economy, given the variety of customer driving experiences, tends to be lower than that obtained under controlled laboratory conditions. Since the 1978 model year, Ford Motor Company (Ford) has been collecting and analyzing on-road fuel economy data from Ford vehicles leased to company employees for evaluation purposes. Based on data collected during the summer months, 1985-86 model passenger car en-road fuel economy was approximately 47% greater than that obtained with 1978 models. Also, on-road results continue to parallel Laboratory values, remaining approximately 15% below the metro/highway value.

City and highway fuel economy values are contained on a label affixed to all new cars. In 1985, the label values were adjusted to better represent the on-road customer fuel economy. An analysis of actual on-road results compared to the label values demonstrates that the adjustment factors are accomplishing the intended purpose.