Hyundai Aims High With Record-Low 50 MPG

Source: Thetruthaboutcars.com

Did we mention that Hyundai is doing well in the U.S.? Sales up 21 percent for the year. Hyundai cars sold in the U.S. average about 30 miles per gallon, the best fuel efficiency in the industry. Jack Baruth loves his 2005 Hyundai Accent so much that major portions had to be redacted such as not to conflict with indecency laws. Can Hyundai do much better than that? They think they can. How? No idea.

By 2025, Hyundai  plans to have a fleet average  of 50 mpg  for its cars sold in the U.S., says The Nikkei [sub]. That’s on par with hybrid cars.

A lofty goal? Hyundai is used to lofty goals. Faced by a government mandated fuel efficiency of 35.5 per gallon by 2016, Hyundai previously targeted 35 miles per gallon by 2015. They aren’t too far away from reaching it.

John Krafcik, president of Hyundai U.S., told The Nikkei that he has no idea how they will reach the 50 mpg target. In the world according to Krafcik, a target one knows how to reach cannot be called a target.

Hyundai also plans to release seven new models in the United States by the end of 2011.

For high-end models, there will be something highly unusual: Only two trim levels. Their Equus, to be launched stateside in fall, will be offered as a stripper and a fully decked-oout version, including an LCD TV, and a refrigerator. A printed manual will be missing. It will come on an iPad tablet computer.

Krafcik said people are tired of going through long lists of confusing options. By cutting down on the choices, the car is easier to make.

Hyundai’s U.S. market share, including Kia, rose to 7.8 percent in the January-July period this year, mainly on the strong sales of the Sonata.

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