Hyundai earns highest fuel economy gains in EPA study

(January 12, 2018) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai achieved the automotive industry’s largest fuel efficiency improvement from 2015 to 2016, according to a report released Thursday by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The EPA’s 2017 CO2 and Fuel Economy Trends Report, one of the automotive industry’s most recognized vehicle tests, determined Hyundai had the largest industry fuel improvement.

Using the 2016 model year combined passenger car and light truck data, Hyundai produced an impressive 1.3 miles per gallon improvement; while overall industry fuel efficiency improvement was 0.1 miles per gallon, according to the report.

“Hyundai recognizes the importance of the EPA’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards to the environment, policy-makers and customers and that’s why we recently announced plans to introduce an additional 18 eco-friendly vehicles by 2025,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Product, Corporate and Digital Planning.

“The diligence of our 13,000 engineers and validation teams further demonstrates our efforts to introduce affordable, fuel-efficient technology across our lineup while achieving a significant milestone for Hyundai.”

Additionally, Hyundai achieved second place overall (up from fifth place in 2016) with a 28.8 adjusted miles per gallon rating.

Key enablers are improvements and innovation in powertrains including gasoline direct injection (GDI), turbocharging, hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles, along with increased use of light-weight materials and the introduction of a streamlined ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language. Additionally, the application of Advanced High Strength Steel improves collision energy management without adding weight, helping to reduce fuel consumption while delivering a better driving experience.

Hyundai’s continued focus on sustainability and commitment to producing eco-friendly vehicles is featured across its current product lineup. The Sonata Hybrid/Plug-in and the Ioniq EV/Hybrid/PHEV each emphasize operational efficiencies. Hyundai’s Ioniq is the world's first dedicated vehicle with three electrified low- and zero-emission powertrain choices and the Hybrid version boasts an EPA-estimated 58 miles per gallon (combined), making it the most efficient vehicle in the U.S. market without a plug.

Most recently, Hyundai announced its second-generation mass produced fuel cell electric vehicle, the NEXO, a vision for hydrogen-powered life and featuring an artificial intelligence-based personal cockpit that is, not confined to travel, as it is equally useful in providing energy to every-day home applications.

O’Brien added, “Hyundai’s fuel economy achievements across a wide range of vehicle segments provides consumers with confidence that the industry can achieve fuel efficiency gains without compromising vehicle appeal, value, customer satisfaction or performance.”