Vehicle manufacturers have significantly increased gasoline efficiency since the early 1900s. While modern vehicles see smaller efficiency gains compared to older models, mimicking new technologies in older vehicles could help efficiency. The average vehicle is driven for 11 years before major repairs are needed, and unless restored, they eventually end up in junkyards. Over time, generations of increasingly efficient vehicles replace older ones, though efficiency gains are smaller than in earlier decades. Modern hybrids can achieve 45-50 mpg compared to 20 mpg for a 2006 Nissan Altima, showing dramatic efficiency increases through new technologies.