"Automakers on average have reduced the greenhouse gas footprint of their model year 2012 passenger vehicles even below the levels required by U.S. EPA's new tailpipe emissions rules, according to a new report released today by the agency.

The report found that in the first year of the Obama administration's new fuel economy standards, cars and light trucks averaged 286 grams of greenhouse gas emissions per mile -- nearly 10 grams less than called for in the EPA rule. All but one covered manufacturer ended the year with a balance of credits, and that one -- Jaguar Land Rover Automotive PLC -- plans to make up that deficit in model year 2013.

EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe told reporters on a call this morning that the additional reductions were due to earlier-than-expected deployment of new technologies and a growing preference among consumers for fuel-efficient cars."

Jean Chemnick reports for Greenwire April 25, 2014. [2]