A new focus on quality and design has allowed Hyundai to make some significant moves up the sales charts, with the Korean automaker now setting its focus on improving overall fuel economy. Hyundai currently ranks third in fleet-wide fuel economy, but is eyeing the coveted top spot.
Hyundai’s current fleet-wide fuel economy average is hovering in the 28-29mpg range – ranking behind Toyota and Honda , respectively – but the Korean automaker is making strides to pass it Japanese rivals. “We desire to be the No. 1 fuel economy brand in the United States, we are No. 3 right now. As quickly as possible,” Hyundai North America CEO John Krafcik told Reuters.
In order to achieve that goal, Hyundai will lean heavily on four-cylinder engines and incremental improvements to its entire vehicle lineup. Hyundai is planning a wider rollout of its turbocharging technology, as well as great improvements to aerodynamics.
Although Honda and particularly Toyota rely on hybrid technology to boost overall fuel economy, Krafcik said hybrids aren’t a big part of Hyundai’s plans due to added costs, noting “Americans have shown, at least in the current gasoline price regime, that they are not able to make that cost-benefit trade-off.” However, Hyundai is planning to launch its first hybrid in the U.S. in the coming months.
