Kia Motors posts largest gains in fuel economy and CO2 reduction among all automakers in the U.S.

Fleetwide Miles Per Gallon Increased 11.6 Percent from 2009 to 2010

• Kia's most recent overall fuel economy ties for top spot among all OEMs
• Fast-growing brand cuts CO2 emissions by an industry-leading 10.1 percent from 2009 to 2010

In its commitment to produce sustainable and fuel-efficient vehicles, Kia Motors America (KMA) has "had the biggest improvement in adjusted CO2 and fuel economy performance from MY 2009 to MY 2010" of any automaker, according to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) latest fuel economy trends report titled, "Light-Duty Automotive Technology, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 Through 2011." Kia's fuel economy gain from 2009 to 2010 was 11.6 percent, while its reduction in CO2 emissions was 10.1 percent, beating all other major manufacturers by considerable margins based on the EPA's most recent data. In addition, the report shows Kia as tied for the highest Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) at 27.0 miles-per-gallon for MY 2010. Kia is ranked number two for MY 2010 CO2 values, ahead of traditional leaders such as Honda and Toyota.

"As an industry leader in fuel economy, Kia is committed to providing safe, high-quality vehicles that are socially relevant to consumers," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "Our goal is to stay ahead of the industry by applying innovative technologies such as direct-injection and turbo charged engines to advance our efforts and continue improving on the benchmarks Kia has set in the sustainability realm."

Kia Motors' EcoDynamics philosophy has created a global alternative fuel and powertrain research program to develop advanced fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies. In 2011, Kia introduced the brand's first-ever hybrid vehicle in the U.S., and the 2013 Rio and Rio 5-door will be the first vehicles in the subcompact segment to offer fuel-saving Idle Stop and Go technology.

The EPA report summarizes key trends in CO2 emissions and fuel economy for gasoline- and diesel-fueled personal vehicles sold in the United States, beginning MY 1975. Overall, the automotive industry's fleetwide average real world MY 2010 CO2 emissions and fuel economy have marked slight improvements over MY 2009 and the most favorable levels since this analysis began in 1975.

To review the EPA's full 2011 fuel economy trends report, please visit the EPA's Trends webpage.

Article courtesy of Kia Media.