For example, Ford recently designed the PowerShift, a dry dual-clutch automatic transmission, six-speed automatic transmissions, electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) and EcoBoost engines that save on fuel with no compromise to driving excitement.

One of their newest cars is the Focus SFE, EPA certified at 40 mpg highway and 28 mpg city. Focus joins the 41-mpg-city Fusion Hybrid and 40-mpg-highway Fiesta in the 40-mpg-and-over club.

In addition, Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America, with its 41-mpg-city EPA-certified rating.

The arrival of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine later this year in the Edge crossover and Explorer SUV will see two more nameplates join the best-in-class mpg club.

More of the company’s fuel economy stars include:

• Mustang V6: the first car in history to deliver the combination of 300-plus horsepower and more than 30 mpg.

• F-150: Its 302-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic deliver a best-in-class 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.

• Fiesta: The combination of a 120-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder and available six-speed dual-clutch PowerShift automatic transmission delivers 40 mpg on the highway.

• Super Duty: The 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel engine delivers as much as 20 percent better fuel economy than the 6.4-liter it replaced.

• Edge: Edge delivers 19 mpg city and a best-in-class 27 mpg highway. The upcoming 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine in the 2012 Edge is expected to deliver even greater economy.

• Fusion Hybrid remains America’s most fuel-efficient midsize family sedan, topping the Toyota Camry Hybrid by 10 mpg in the city, according to the EPA.

• Escape Hybrid, Transit Connect, Ranger and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid also lead their segments.

Car buyers will be paying close attention to mileage numbers in the near future and these efficient cars are likely to benefit from that trend.