WASHINGTON (November 21, 2009)--The fleet of new cars and trucks sold to U.S. consumers averaged 21 miles per gallon in the 2008 model year, which represents a modest increase over the previous year.

A report from the Environmental Protection Agency says vehicle fuel efficiency improved 2 percent in 2008 from 20.6 mpg for the 2007 model year.

The government predicts that figure will improve slightly to 21.1 mpg in the 2009 model year.

Honda led the industry in 2008 with 23.9 mpg, followed by Hyundai and its affiliate Kia Motors with 23.7 mpg.

Next was Toyota with 22.8 mpg.

General Motors led U.S. automakers with 19.7 mpg, followed by Ford with 19.4 and Chrysler Group LLC with 19.3.

The EPA projected that Ford will increase its fuel efficiency by more than 1 mpg in the 2009 model year and overtake GM.

The EPA figures are based on real-world estimates for city and highway mileage found on window stickers at dealer showrooms instead of mileage values developed through laboratory testing.