Whether it is attributable to tightening CAFE or EPA requirements for present and future car models or the need to appeal to consumers that are looking to be more socially responsible, car makers are stepping up their game when it comes to fuel efficiency and sustainable practices. As we reported earlier today, Ford is using recyclable materials in the new 2012 Ford Focus and they are also using sustainable materials in the Ford Fusion Hybrid. Ford isn’t the only one that is making inroads to becoming greener; Hyundai is quickly putting themselves in the spotlight as well and getting noticed by the media and their competitors.
Hyundai has been shedding the stigma of being a cheap car brand for almost a decade now by increasing the quality, efficiency and value associated with the brand. Recently, as reported by our sister site, GreenCarReports.com, Hyundai was rated with a CAFÉ rating of 30.1 mpg. That rating is higher than the other top five brands on the CAFÉ list, brands that include Honda, Volkswagen, Toyota and Kia. Hyundai hasn’t stopped their though, the company announced this summer a goal to raise its fleet fuel economy average to 50 mpg by the year 2025. What about hybrids for Hyundai? Those are coming to with the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the Hyundai Blue-Will plug-in.
Bottom line—Hyundai should be making competitors like Honda nervous, especially if they gain traction in the hybrid segment—one that has been a struggle for many companies due to the strong hold Toyota has had on the market.
Be sure to check out the take from GreenCarReports.com and see what they have to say about the competition between Hyundai and Honda.
