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Regulators to Check Ford Hybrid Mileage Claims
The U.S.
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it will review Ford Motor Co.'s claims that the company's hybrid Fusion sedan and C-Max MPV average 47 miles per gallon.
Like other carmakers, Ford's results are based on EPA's own fuel economy test cycle. But the agency doesn't independently confirm most results reported by manufacturers.
EPA said it would check the company's numbers after Consumer Reports said on Thursday that its tests found Fusion and C-Max mileage numbers 8mpg-10 mpg below Ford's claim.
CR notes that its test results often vary from the agency's official estimate. But the magazine says 80% of all vehicles it tests fall within 2 mpg of their EPA figures.
The head of the agency's light-duty vehicle compliance division tells The Detroit News there is "absolutely no doubt" that mileage for hybrid systems is significantly more variable than for conventional powertrains. The main reason, experts say, is that driving conditions and techniques can strongly influence the proportion of operating time in electric or electric-assist mode.
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