Fuel economy of cars sold in October at record level A gasoline pump at a Shell station in Hollywood. Reed Saxon /Associated Press / October 9, 2012 By Jerry Hirsch November 6, 2012, 9:48 a.m. Americans continue to look for fuel-efficient vehicles when they go car shopping. The average fuel economy - what is on the window sticker of a new car -- of new vehicles sold in the U.S. in October was 24.1 mpg -- the highest level yet. It was up 4 mpg, or 20%, from October 2007, according to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. The 24.1 mpg is up from 23 mpg in October a year ago and from 22.3 mpg in the same month in 2010. Researchers at the institute said their numbers are adjusted to include the new ratings - down in most cases by 1 to 2 fewer miles per gallon depending on the vehicle - for the Hyundais and Kias that the Environmental Protection Agency found had inflated mileage ratings. PHOTOS: Hyundai and Kias with inflated MPG claims The agency said last week that South Korean automakers Hyundai Motor America and Kia Motors America overstated the fuel economy on nearly a million late-model vehicles. The automakers will issue owners special debit cards to reimburse the extra money they are paying for fuel. Suzuki bankruptcy Hyundai inflates MPG claims Upstart Tesla battles auto dealers