Over the last several years there has been an increasing push among automakers, and a growing demand from consumers, to create fuel-efficient cars. Manufacturers have certainly made significant strides and it looks like that will be the case once again in 2012, according to a new report out of the University of Michigan.

Researchers at the school's Transportation Research Institute found that the average fuel economy of the new cars purchased during January reached its highest level ever at 23 miles per gallon. That includes all vehicles – even trucks and SUVS. The mark ties the previous high set in March of 2011 and is a substantial 4 percent jump from the month before.

There are a number of reasons for the findings, but experts say that one of biggest is that consumers are leaning toward buying more efficient cars as a whole. For instance, with more gas-friendly models of cars like the Ford F-150 and the Chevrolet Cruze hitting the market, more often than not drivers will choose the one that will save them the most at the pump. Still, none of this would be possible without the improved technology.

"Based on a related study we published in January, we found that over the past several years about two-thirds of the increase is due to improvements in vehicles, and about one-third is due to demand for better fuel economy by consumers," Brandon Schoettle, a co-author of the report, told USA Today.

Even if you'd rather purchase a used car over a new one, there are plenty of fuel-efficient models that have come out over the last several years that will fit the bill, and New Jersey State Auto Auction carries many of them. With a wide variety of products at affordable prices, there is certainly something for everyone.