[car fanatics]

Hyundai
Photo credit: Hyundai
March 9, 2012
By: CF staff

COSTA MESA, Calif., March 9, 2012 – In a government-issued report today, Hyundai Motor America was named number one in fuel economy and CO2 emissions in America by topping the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy rankings for the 2010 model year, beating out traditional leaders Honda and Toyota. No make scored higher than Hyundai. This is the second time Hyundai has led in both categories, having achieved this distinction previously for the 2008 model year.

The EPA 2011 Light-Duty Automotive Technology and Fuel Economy Trends Report identified Hyundai as the top 2010 brand with an adjusted[1] fuel economy rating of 27.0 miles per gallon. In addition to being named the most fuel efficient brand, Hyundai also had the lowest fleet-wide adjusted composite CO2 emissions performance (329 g/mi) for the 2010 model year.

The EPA 2011 Trends Report also indicates that preliminary 2011 model year values suggest that Hyundai will maintain its fuel economy leadership. Forecasts show that Hyundai will achieve an adjusted fuel economy rating of 27.5 miles per gallon in the 2011 model year.

With a strong offering of fuel efficient models, including Elantra, Sonata Hybrid, Accent and Veloster M/T all achieving estimated 40 mpg highway fuel economy ratings, Hyundai continues to set the industry bar in fuel efficiency. In 2011, Hyundai achieved a corporate average fuel economy level of 36.1 mpg and sold 214,132 40 mpg vehicles, representing one-third of total sales.

“The 2011 EPA data demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to fuel economy leadership and validates the effectiveness of our Blue Drive strategy,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO. “We are committed to developing a suite of smart fuel-efficient strategies – from hybrids to new solutions in high-technology gasoline vehicles. Gas prices are expected to hit record highs this summer and consumers are looking for ways to cut back on fuel costs with cars that offer improved fuel economy. Through innovations such as light-weight steel, direct injection technology, turbocharging and advanced transmissions we are able to improve the efficiency and performance of all our vehicles, allowing us to achieve best-in-class fuel economy and emissions levels for the Hyundai brand.”