Hyundai Elantra Breaks Logjam of Hybrids to Make TrueCar.com's Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Cars

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., March 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new 2011 Hyundai Elantra, in its mission to redefine the compact car segment, is also proving that non-hybrid vehicles can be among the most fuel-efficient cars on the road. TrueCar.com, the authority on new car pricing, trends and forecasting, named its Top Ten most fuel-efficient cars and the Hyundai Elantra was the only non-hybrid to make the list. With a starting price of just $14,830 and standard 40 mpg highway fuel economy, the Hyundai Elantra is demonstrating that fuel efficiency can be achieved in a high-volume, non-hybrid vehicle without the need for special fuel economy packages.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091001/HYUNDAILOGO)

TrueCar.com compiled the list of Top Ten most fuel-efficient cars currently being sold based on fuel economy and cost of gas, per 15,000 miles driven annually. For example, when looking at the vehicles based on annual fuel costs and price, the 2011 Toyota Prius (base) average price paid is $22,235 and costs $1,064 annually based on the current price of $3.52 per gallon of unleaded fuel and 15,000 miles driven annually. The 2011 Hyundai Elantra (base) is 32 percent cheaper than the 2011 Toyota Prius (base) at $15,052, based on average price paid, yet costs only $531 more to fill up annually. At that rate, it would take more than 13 years to recoup the additional investment in the Prius.

"When purchasing a fuel-efficient vehicle, consumers should consider two factors – price and annual cost of fuel," said Jesse Toprak, vice president of Industry Trends and Insights at TrueCar.com. "If you're looking for the most cost-effective and fuel-efficient car, the Hyundai Elantra is the clear winner."

The 2011 Elantra sets the bar in the compact sedan category offering a "class-above" midsize car interior volume, modern design, outstanding fuel economy, and loads of comfort and convenience features, all at an attractive starting price. Elantra also continues to lead the industry in standard advanced safety technologies including a new Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system to optimally manage Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS).

"The all-new Elantra, with its 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway standard fuel economy rating, is a perfect vehicle for consumers looking for an affordable solution to rising gas prices," said Mike O'Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "Elantra is at the core of Hyundai's fuel economy strategy. In February, 20 percent of all Hyundai vehicles sold achieved 40 mpg on the highway thanks in large part to Elantra's success."

Hyundai made a commitment to lead the industry in sales of 40 mpg vehicles in 2011, and seeks to achieve this through the wide availability of vehicles that achieve 40 mpg on the highway. Hyundai's strategy of standard 40 mpg highway ratings on vehicles like the Elantra and the forthcoming 2012 Veloster and 2012 Accent, contrast the practice of competitors, which limit 40 mpg sales to low-volume and/or extra cost option package and trim levels. Hyundai is also moving ahead to be the first automaker to achieve a corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) rating of at least 50 mpg by 2025 for its lineup of passenger cars and light duty trucks.

About TrueCar, Inc.

TrueCar, Inc., a leading market innovator, stands alone as an automotive solutions provider focused on changing how cars are sold by providing a significantly better customer experience, while helping qualified dealer partners to gain incremental market share and reduce costs. TrueCar, Inc. works with a national network of nearly 4,700 Certified Dealers that provide up-front, no-haggle, competitive pricing to assist some of the nation's largest and most well respected membership and service organizations meet the auto buying needs of their members and customers. These partnerships include American Express, AAA Clubs, USAA and more than 60 others. Collectively these audiences represent over 1,000,000 in-market customers each month. Founded in 2005, TrueCar, Inc. is headquartered in Santa Monica, CA and has offices in San Francisco. With nearly 200 percent year-over-year growth, TrueCar has driven more than 200,000 sales and is developing a suite of transaction-oriented products and services centered on transparency and radical clarity as a result of comprehensively analyzing market data and information. You can follow TrueCar on Twitter @truecar and become a fan of TrueCar on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/truecar.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 5-years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. 

Journalists are invited to visit our news media website: www.hyundainews.com and follow us on Twitter: @Hyundai.com

SOURCE Hyundai