Gas mileage increase; the Focus Electric

(Thinkstock)

Mileage uptick
The Environmental Protection Agency says new cars and trucks sold to U.S. consumers averaged 22.4 miles per gallon in the 2009 model year, an increase over the previous year. The 2008 model year averaged 21.0 mpg. The 2010 model year is expected to improve slightly to 22.5 mpg. Toyota led the industry in 2009 with 25.4 mpg, followed by Hyundai with 25.1 mpg and Honda with 24.6 mpg.

Electric focus
Ford's first all-electric car, the Focus Electric, will be available for sale in Seattle, Portland and other select cities across the country late next year. The early markets were selected based on sales trends for hybrid vehicles, and the preparedness of local utility companies to handle the extra electricity demand.

--The Associated Press