All About Japan Autos

Hyundai is stepping up its game. The automaker had outstanding summer sales in both Korea and the United States, and just reported that it will release the upgraded 2011 Elantra by the end of the year. Now Hyundai of America is tackling fuel efficiency. Kicking Tires reports that Hyundai’s current fleet-wide average of 30.9 mpg ranks it number one in average fuel economy in the United States. By 2025, the automaker hopes to increase that average to 50 mpg.

“We’re committed to setting the pace in this industry on fuel economy,” John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO says in a press release. “Getting to 50 mpg and beyond seems like a huge leap, but by making this commitment and aligning our R&D initiatives now, we know we can get there.”

This goal is above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) expectations. “Currently the federal government has set a standard of 35.5 mpg by 2016, a figure that Hyundai hopes to make with ease as it has held the highest average fuel economy of any automaker in the U.S. for the last two years,” LeftLane News explains. Hyundai, however, does have the upper hand when it comes to fuel efficiency. It doesn’t have any large body-on-frame trucks or SUVs in its lineup.

According to Reuters, the EPA rules will bump the average cost of cars up about $950, but will save drivers almost $3000 in fuel over the life of the car. With such a huge goal, Hyundai knows it’s setting high expectations for itself and other automakers, but with more hybrid and electric cars arriving in the future, outstanding fuel efficiency is a top priority.

If you’re in the market for a new car, check out the U.S. News rankings of this year’s best cars as well as this month’s best car deals.