Fuel Efficiency of Passenger Cars in South Korea Improves in 2005

The fuel efficiency of passenger cars sold in South Korea's domestic market improved by an average of 1.8% in 2005, reaching a milestone of 10.69 kilometers per liter, according to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy. This marks the second consecutive year of increase, following a steady decline since 1998 when the average mileage reached 13.74 kilometers per liter. The government report highlights the efforts of carmakers to incorporate more advanced technologies to improve mileage, despite consumers' preference for larger cars.

Key Takeaways:

• The average fuel efficiency of passenger cars sold in South Korea improved by 1.8% in 2005, reaching 10.69 kilometers per liter.
• The percentage of cars receiving top fuel efficiency markings rose to 45% (215 car types) in 2005 from 36% (138 car types) in 2004.
• The percentage of cars with an engine capacity exceeding 2,000 cc reached 24.6% in 2005 from 4.5% in 1998.
• The number of cars with an engine capacity of 800 cc or less decreased to 5% in 2005 from 29.9% in 1998.
• Fuel efficiency in cars produced by Hyundai Motor, Kia Motors, and other domestic carmakers improved by 1.8%, while imported cars saw an increase of 4.0%.
• The rise in fuel efficiency saved the country 23,264 kiloliters of fuel worth 30.6 billion won (US$31.5 million).

Statistics:

• Average fuel efficiency of passenger cars sold in South Korea: 10.69 kilometers per liter (2005)
• Percentage of cars with top fuel efficiency markings: 45% (215 car types, 2005)
• Percentage of cars with an engine capacity exceeding 2,000 cc: 24.6% (2005)
• Percentage of cars with an engine capacity of 800 cc or less: 5% (2005)
• Fuel savings in 2005: 23,264 kiloliters
• Monetary value of fuel savings: 30.6 billion won (US$31.5 million, 2005)

Sources:

• Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy (no date)
• Asia Pulse (March 20, no exact date)
• Yonhap (20-03 1032)