Hyundai Tops Honda As Most Fuel Efficient Automaker
In another example of Hyundai’s ability to meet goals it sets for itself, one year after announcing its intention to become the most fuel efficient manufacturer in the land, it has done so. The EPA has released its latest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy report, and Hyundai passed all major manufacturers in Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) including traditional leaders like Honda and Toyota. And that’s for Model Year 2009, without the aid of new and expensive technology like hybrids and direct injection. A chart of of all the leading manufacturers’ CAFE numbers follows:
Environmental Protection Agency Fuel Economy Reports
Group
Fuel Economy (mpg)
MY 2009 EPA Lab 55/45* (projected)
Manufacturer**Overall (Cars/Trucks)
Hyundai30.1
Honda29.7
Volkswagen29.6
Toyota29.4
Kia28.0
Nissan27.2
BMW26.9
Ford25.7
General Motors24.5
Chrysler23.2
Hyundai will also be adding DI, turbocharging and hybrid technology, beginning with the 2011 Sonata. Of course, not having any pickups and other trucks in the lineup doesn’t exactly hurt either. But it sure makes that onerous 2016 CAFE standard of 35.5 miles per gallon look like one of Hyundai’s easier to attain goals.
More by Paul Niedermeyer
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The way those thongs angle up over those girls hips is very inconsistent. In the interests of Hyundai's quality control, someone needs to make suitable adjustments. I am eminently qualified, and am willing to start immediately.
So the award for most underpowered engines go to Hyundai. Big whoop.
Hyundai has best corporate CAFE numbers? I'm underwhelmed. My question is, if you want a reliable, fuel efficient, fun-to-drive vehicle, what are you gonna buy? I'm buying a Honda. Or rather, I'm keeping the one I have, which gets 22+ mpg city and 30+ highway (and btw, it's an Accord V6, yes V6). CAFE numbers indicate nothing, which is why I wonder why anyone ever brings up the subject.
Hyundai has done a great job at increasing gas mileage, but meanwhile back in South Korea, they company is drowning in scandal, corruption, embezzlement and a very serious economic relationship with North Korea. Hyundai's big dogs - four, to be specific - have been found guilty of everything from bribing government officials to funneling over $100 million to Kim Jong Il, the guy that doesn't like us very much. South Korea’s slaps on all kinds of tariffs and taxes on cars from American manufacturers, thus blocking American cars to be sold in their market. There's more to the story than the MPG, and we should pull back the curtain before we decide if we want to contribute to the Hyundai parent's poor corporate behavior.