Since 2008 Hyundai has been the most fuel-efficient manufacturer in the US. Over the last couple of years as some other car companies struggled, Hyundai’s market share grew by almost 50 percent.
The EPA 2009 Light-Duty Automotive Technology and Fuel Economy Trends Report indicates that Hyundai had the highest efficiency rating for the 2008 model year at 30.9 mpg. The EPA also indicates that Hyundai is the only automaker in the US to top 30 mpg in 2009.
Hyundai continues to lead in corporate average fuel economy (CAFE). The company currently has a CAFE rating of over 30 mpg and with the help of its global Blue Drive strategy Hyundai plans to reach 35 mpg by 2015 and at least 50 mpg by 2025.
The all new 2011 Hyundai Sonata being built in Alabama is the first mid-size family sedan to offer only 4-cylinder engines. The smaller engine reduces the weight by 130 pounds giving the Sonata a 35 mpg fuel rating. The 200 horsepower Sonata is also leading its competitors in power output thanks to the advanced gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine.
While other automakers are actively resisting efforts to regulate emissions, Hyundai is an advocate of more stringent fuel efficiency requirements.
Hyundai America CEO John Krafcik said, “This is our simple formula for success in the automobile industry, rather than fighting fuel economy regulation, we encourage our Hyundai engineers to deliver more fuel efficiency, faster, accelerating the benefits to our customers, society, and the planet.”
Hyundai plans to develop more fuel-efficient vehicle technologies including electric hybrids and plug-in hybrids. This fall, Hyundai will launch the company’s first hybrid in the United States. The Sonata Hybrid incorporates an industry-first lithium polymer battery, which is smaller and more efficient.
Other vehicle manufacturers could learn from Hyundai’s business philosophy. Its ambitious objectives reduce its environmental impact, align its resources, challenge its team members, and provide added value to its consumers. Hyundai’s value driven fuel efficiency strategy focuses on the intelligent application of cost effective technologies.
Hyundai’s success proves that there is a large and growing market for well priced, stylish vehicles that deliver industry leading levels of fuel economy. Hyundai’s efficiency based leadership is growing its market share and helping to reduce global emissions.
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