TrueCar.com, whih keeps tabs on trends in the automotive business,  reported the actual fuel economy numbers from March light vehicle auto sales indicate the miles per gallon of new vehicles purchased last month increased to 23.4 mpg compared to 22.0 mpg in March 2011. The also increased from February 2012 at 23.2 mpg. Just four years ago, in March 2008, mpg was an estimated 20.3 mpg.
 Gas prices are nearing $4 per gallon nationwide and consumers are getting reluctant to pay any additional money at the pump when buying a new vehicle,” said Jesse Toprak, Vice President of Market Intelligence at TrueCar.com. “Consumer buying behavior has shifted and vehicles today are more fuel-efficient than ever, contributing to significant gains in fuel economy of over three miles per gallon since 2008.”  By Joseph Szczesny