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Automobile industry

Fuel-Efficient Cars Dominate South Korean Market in 2009

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The South Korean Ministry of Knowledge Economy released a report highlighting the most fuel-efficient cars sold on the local market in 2009. Hyundai Motor Co.'s Verna and Kia Motors Corp.'s Pride emerged as the top two subcompact cars, followed by Kia's Morning model in third place. The report also noted that diesel-powered cars with manual transmissions performed better than gasoline-powered cars with automatic transmissions in terms of fuel economy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Hyundai Verna and Kia Pride subcompact cars were the most fuel-efficient cars sold in South Korea in 2009, achieving 22.0 kilometers per liter of fuel.
  • The vehicles used 1,493cc engines and emitted 122 grams of CO2 per kilometer traveled.
  • Hyundai and Kia, sister companies, share many components, including engines and transmissions.
  • In the under-1,600cc engine capacity range, the diesel-powered Kia Morning model came in third place with a fuel economy of 20.0 kilometers per liter.
  • GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co.'s Lacetti had the best mileage among larger cars with engine capacity exceeding 1,600cc, achieving 19.0 kilometers per liter on a diesel-driven 1,991cc engine.
  • The Volkswagen Golf TDI and Hyundai's Tuscon compact sport-utility vehicle came in second and third in this category.
  • The Prius model from Toyota emerged as the top hybrid car, achieving 29.2 kilometers per liter, followed by the Camry Hybrid from the same manufacturer.
  • The Hyundai Avante 1.6 LPI hybrid had a mileage of 17.8 kilometers per liter.
  • The ministry noted a significant difference in fuel economy depending on the type of engine, fuel, and transmission systems used.

Statistics:

  • 22.0 kilometers per liter of fuel of the Hyundai Verna and Kia Pride subcompact cars.
  • 19.0 kilometers per liter on a diesel-driven 1,991cc engine of the GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co.'s Lacetti.
  • 29.2 kilometers per liter of the Prius model from Toyota.
  • 17.8 kilometers per liter of the Hyundai Avante 1.6 LPI hybrid.
  • 122 grams of CO2 per kilometer traveled of the Hyundai Verna and Kia Pride subcompact cars.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Knowledge Economy
  • Yonhap News Agency (cg 24-12 1323)
  • Hyundai Motor Co. (KSE:005380)
  • Kia Motors Corp. (KSE:000270)
  • GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co.
  • Volkswagen
  • Toyota
  • Hyundai

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