Autobytel Inc.'s Automotive Information Center division released data from its upcoming research report, the Q3 2005 AIC Quarterly QuickView, which features updated industry statistics on vehicle equipment and new vehicle models. The updated data in the report reveals significant trends in fuel economy and pricing. With fuel prices continuing to rise, fuel efficiency is a primary concern for car buyers. Though SUV owners are feeling considerable heat at the gas pump, the study revealed that decreasing curb weight and increasing horsepower, in addition to other technology advances, have resulted in greater fuel efficiency in SUVs. From 2003 to 2006, average curb weight declined 2.7%, while average horsepower increased 6.7%. Based on these changes and other factors, SUV fuel efficiency has increased 10.5%, from 19 miles per gallon in 2003 to 21 miles per gallon among the current crop of 2006 models. While analysts uncovered fuel economy increases, the data also showed that SUV pricing dropped from 2005 to 2006. According to the report, the average SUV MSRP declined $36 from 2005 to 2006.
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