— For only the second time in the last 12 years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that two automakers must re-label certain vehicles concerning invalid claims of estimated fuel economy.
The EPA said Hyundai and Kia will lower their fuel economy (mpg) estimates for the majority of their model year 2012 and 2013 models after EPA testing found discrepancies between agency results and data submitted by the company.
The auto companies have submitted a plan for cars currently on dealer lots to be re-labeled with new window stickers. The mileage on most vehicle labels will be reduced by one to two mpg, and the largest adjustment will be six mpg highway for the Kia Soul.
"Consumers rely on the window sticker to help make informed choices about the cars they buy,’ said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “EPA’s investigation will help protect consumers and ensure a level playing field among automakers."
The EPA audited the vehicles after receiving numerous complaints about mileage estimates. EPA testing of a 2012 Hyundai Elantra showed a lower MPG rating than provided by Hyundai. This caused the EPA to expand their investigation, which lead to today’s announcement.
According to officials with the EPA, this is the first time where a large number of vehicles from the same manufacturer have been so wrong on mpg estimates.
