Fireworks commemorated an industry milestone this Fourth of July weekend as Hyundai sold its 100,000th vehicle achieving 40 miles per gallon highway fuel economy. Hyundai smoked the entire auto industry, outselling all other automakers 40 mpg offerings. Through the first six months, 29 percent of Hyundais sales volume topped 40 mpg highway fuel economy a number that rocketed to 40 percent in the month of June.
Hyundais 4 x 40 strategy includes four models that reach 40 mpg standard this year including the hot-selling Elantra, Sonata Hybrid and all-new 2012 Accent which just started to hit dealerships in June. The fourth model Hyundais youthful and fun Veloster will add a new spark to the fleet this fall.
Hyundai aims to be the fuel economy leader and our 4 x 40 strategy is accelerating our overall fuel economy improvement, which now tops 35 mpg across the entire lineup, said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. But we really see 40 mpg as a starting point. We committed to at least 50 mpg corporate average fuel economy by 2025 and remain the only automaker to set our sights so high. Using a mix of technologies to improve the efficiency of our standard, internal combustion engine vehicles, combined with the smart application of hybrid technology, we believe we are on the right path.
Elantra ignited Hyundais 4 x 40 strategy at launch in December 2010. The stylish, American-made sedan continues to set a torrid sales pace, 79 percent ahead of last year. Every 2011 Elantra sold achieves 40 miles per gallon highway fuel economy with no special options or equipment required. Sonata Hybrid and Accent added reinforcements to the 40 mpg strategy, and both are just starting to reach dealerships in volume. With Veloster still to come, Hyundai is positioned to grow its 40 mpg sales volume through the end of the year. Plans for additional fireworks are still in the works.