[SEOUL, Korea &COSTA MESA, Calif.=Whowired] June 6, 2012 -- As Americans hit the road this summer, Hyundai Motor America aims to bring more attention to the environmental and economic benefits of driving more fuel efficiently, with the launch of its initiative to make August "National Fuel Efficiency Month." Hyundai plans to put a spotlight on fuel economy this summer with consumer tips and compelling content which inspire consumers to embrace more fuel-efficient driving, saving dollars and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Hyundai will petition Washington to deem August the official awareness month for fuel efficiency by encouraging fuel-conscious consumers to sign a petition at http://wh.gov/zAa.

"As America's most fuel-efficient car company, we want to inspire people and show them how fuel efficiency can help their wallets and the planet at the same time, no matter what kind of car they drive," said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. "There's a day, week or month for just about everything else, so we feel the time is right for a national Fuel Efficiency Month to help shine a spotlight on the ecological and economic benefits here."

Fuel Efficiency Month will focus national attention on the need for everyone to take simple measures to improve fuel efficiency such as keeping tires properly inflated, making sure the vehicle is well tuned, improving driving habits and using features like cruise control. The program also includes information about making wise decisions in the vehicle purchase process. These measures will help the U.S. reduce fuel consumption and emissions from fossil fuels.

The multi-faceted campaign kicks-off on June 5, World Environmental Day, with four simultaneous events in New York, Austin, Chicago and Las Vegas, where consumers can witness firsthand the benefits of driving a more fuel-efficient vehicle, while receiving real-world tips on improving fuel economy. To support the campaign, consumers are encouraged to visit Hyundai's Facebook page for updates on the petition progress, fuel efficiency driving tips and a chance to win free gas for a year.

Hyundai Motor America ranked number one in fuel economy and CO2 emissions in America, topping the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2011 Light-Duty Automotive Technology and Fuel Economy Trends Report for the 2010 model year. This is the second time Hyundai has led in both categories, having achieved this distinction previously for the 2008 model year. The EPA 2011 Trends Report also indicates that preliminary 2011 model year values suggest that Hyundai will maintain its fuel economy leadership.

Hyundai's Fuel Economy Commitment

In 2010, Hyundai announced plans to maintain its fuel economy leadership and achieve a corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) rating of at least 50 miles per gallon (mpg) by 2025 for its lineup of passenger cars and light duty trucks. Current National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulations require automakers to achieve a CAFE rating of 35.5 mpg by 2016. Before those rules were enacted in 2009, Hyundai had already announced its own plan to reach 35 mpg by 2015. In fact, so far in 2012 Hyundai is achieving 37.3 mpg across its fleet through May. In 2011, Hyundai endorsed an even higher industry standard of 54.5 mpg for 2025.

Hyundai's plan to exceed fuel economy requirements encompasses a full line of products, from small cars to larger family haulers. It leverages Hyundai's global Blue Drive strategy, aligning R&D resources at its engineering centers in California, Michigan, Korea, India and Germany to develop more fuel-efficient vehicle technologies.

Fuel-Efficient Solutions

Hyundai is currently the only manufacturer with four models achieving 40 mpg EPA ratings on the highway – Accent, M/T Veloster, Sonata Hybrid and the 2012 North American Car of the Year, Elantra. Last year, Hyundai sold more 40 mpg highway vehicles than Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Ford and Chevrolet combined.

Powered by an all-new 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine weighing 74 pounds less than the previous generation and an all-new six-speed transmission, Elantra achieves a 29 mpg city and a 40 mpg highway EPA fuel economy rating.

Thanks to advanced clean engine technology, most Elantras sold in California, Oregon and several Northeast states are certified as Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) by the EPA. The PZEV Elantra is as clean as many hybrid electric vehicles. The PZEV Elantra helps Hyundai meet its environmental commitments, while in other states the Elantra is available as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle.

In 2010, Hyundai launched its first gas-electric full hybrid, the Sonata Hybrid. The Sonata Hybrid features Hyundai's proprietary parallel hybrid drive system which pairs the already fuel-efficient 2.4-liter Theta II engine to a six-speed automatic transmission and a 30kW electric motor for maximum fuel economy. In addition, Sonata Hybrid uses the industry's first lithium polymer battery, leapfrogging in-market nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion applications.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.

For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com

Journalists are invited to visit our news media website: www.hyundainews.com

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America

http://www.hyundainews.com