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What Hyundai Didn't Include In Its Super Bowl Ad

Forbes -- Like many other automakers Hyundai is running ads on this year’s Super Bowl, including one for its popular Elantra line of cars. By all accounts it’s a straightforward affair, focusing more on the vehicle than on, say, raging zombies, barking/singing dogs or Soup Nazis.

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Still, there’s one element that will be missing from the commercial – the car’s fuel economy ratings.

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A group called Consumer Watchdog has been dogging Hyundai in recent weeks, asserting its “40 miles per gallon” claim for the Elantra to be inflated. The Elantra’s official fuel economy rating, certified by the Environmental Protection Agency, is 40 mpg highway, 29 mpg city and 33 mpg in combined driving.

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Submitted Feb 05, 2012 By: BurntOrange

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Sparky19038 Sophomore Author Philadelphia Posts:196 Points:233,495 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 10:44:08 AM Ignore Sparky19038 Report Abuse Standardized Testing does make sense - everyone is graded against the same profile. The problem is that the profile doesn't match anything close to reality. Granted, it is difficult to make a single test that will fairly compare highway driving from Phoenix to Flagstaff in July to driving from Philadelphia to Buffalo in March, or a test to compare city driving from one end of NYC to the other, to running errands in Kansas City. The federally-mandated testing artificially yields rosey results. The good news is that they are rosey for everyone. The bad news is that they are artificially high for everyone and the consumer gets misled. In the real world, when we give estimates, we try to "under promise and over deliver" - quite the opposite of what the government does. "While it would seem logical to determine a vehicle’s fuel economy by simply filling up the tank, driving it on the road or a test track for a set number of city or highway miles, refilling the tank, and dividing the number of miles driven by the number of gallons consumed, this is not how the experts do it. "In fact, tested vehicles don’t reach the pavement at all. Rather, a car or truck’s fuel economy is measured under rigidly controlled circumstances in a laboratory using a standardized test that’s mandated by federal law." "The engine’s exhaust gases are collected and analyzed to calculate the amount of fuel that’s being burned. Each car is “driven” according to a strictly uniform program of acceleration, deceleration, stopping and idling. While tweaks and improvements to these testing cycles have been made over the years, they bear no resemblance to anyone’s daily commute."
remay Champion Author Houston Posts:5,207 Points:1,757,920 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 7:49:17 AM Ignore remay Report Abuse I will stick with CR Magazine for their testing of vehicles and their take on "mpg"...
OHMS Champion Author Orange County Posts:11,266 Points:1,335,275 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 5:23:14 AM Ignore OHMS Report Abuse Consumers who increasingly buy cars on the basis of high miles per gallon—then can’t get close to the posted figure—are justifiably angryConsumers who increasingly buy cars on the basis of high miles per gallon—then can’t get close to the posted figure—are justifiably angry.
SavingInNC Champion Author North Carolina Posts:4,134 Points:741,030 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Feb 6, 2012 4:46:44 AM Ignore SavingInNC Report Abuse Don't allow any of them to lie
52MPG Champion Author Dayton Posts:5,430 Points:1,380,305 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:43:27 PM Ignore 52MPG Report Abuse " While it would seem logical to determine a vehicle’s fuel economy by simply filling up the tank, driving it on the road or a test track for a set number of city or highway miles, refilling the tank, and dividing the number of miles driven by the number of gallons consumed, this is not how the experts do it." expert X = is an unknown quantity spurt = a drip under presser.
VDubBill Champion Author Jacksonville Posts:3,060 Points:960,115 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:15:17 PM Ignore VDubBill Report Abuse The EPA does the tests. Let them guarantee the mileage or pay the difference.
1momsunshine Champion Author Ottawa Posts:3,631 Points:642,870 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:07:14 PM Ignore 1momsunshine Report Abuse really
el_fr Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:1,504 Points:381,275 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:05:38 PM Ignore el_fr Report Abuse Is it really news?
ExplorerWA Champion Author Washington Posts:2,232 Points:433,390 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:00:10 PM Ignore ExplorerWA Report Abuse There beef should be with the EPA and bring back the barking and singing dogs.
davenles Champion Author Texas Posts:1,371 Points:355,260 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:09:39 PM Ignore davenles Report Abuse The EPA gives the ratings. Blame them.
coughlin Champion Author San Jose Posts:3,834 Points:853,670 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 10:02:19 PM Ignore coughlin Report Abuse 40 MPG is, though, QUITE a claim.
babyjudy Champion Author Tucson Posts:1,007 Points:218,875 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 9:17:59 PM Ignore babyjudy Report Abuse Oh who cares about the gas mileage. No matter how they are calculated, we all drive differently and will have different miles per gallon results. Anyway, the barking and singing dogs were the best to me.
schatzila Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:3,232 Points:677,040 Joined:Jun 2010	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 9:16:57 PM Ignore schatzila Report Abuse Put it to the test.
GT3186 Champion Author Salem Posts:1,255 Points:267,005 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 8:56:23 PM Ignore GT3186 Report Abuse It sounds like Consumer Watchdog's beef is with the EPA, not Hyundai. MPG ratings are often excluded from auto and truck commercials. It just depends on the focus of the ad.
amerk73 Champion Author Dallas Posts:5,210 Points:1,256,880 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 8:54:18 PM Ignore amerk73 Report Abuse not interested
IwanFL Sophomore Author Gainesville Posts:224 Points:80,430 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 7:43:39 PM Ignore IwanFL Report Abuse good to know the neg points
esquared Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:6,533 Points:1,664,045 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 7:06:47 PM Ignore esquared Report Abuse You don't say!
akitaone Champion Author Tampa Posts:1,309 Points:80,750 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 7:05:17 PM Ignore akitaone Report Abuse who cares
doggod Champion Author Anchorage Posts:1,062 Points:387,235 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 7:01:48 PM Ignore doggod Report Abuse I thought everybody knew the published fuel economy ratings were a joke.
bandannaman Champion Author New Jersey Posts:1,129 Points:220,645 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 6:56:36 PM Ignore bandannaman Report Abuse bells and whistles
DerHahn Champion Author Illinois Posts:11,741 Points:1,756,635 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 6:48:13 PM Ignore DerHahn Report Abuse guess they didn't read the popular mechanics testing getting close to 50mpg.
335d1 All-Star Author Virginia Posts:547 Points:404,550 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 5:49:45 PM Ignore 335d1 Report Abuse In Super Bowl ads will any auto maker stress fuel economy ratings?
Buckeyee Champion Author Maine Posts:2,412 Points:555,605 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 5:48:50 PM Ignore Buckeyee Report Abuse Go after the EPA.
Cakes77 Champion Author Harrisburg Posts:3,477 Points:1,328,255 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 5:01:34 PM Ignore Cakes77 Report Abuse OK
Meowmy All-Star Author Florida Posts:988 Points:277,035 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 4:51:39 PM Ignore Meowmy Report Abuse They need to get realistic MPG data from actual drivers, not a dynomometer in an enclosed garage. Real-world driving is where they need to focus.
Van_Halen Champion Author Atlanta Posts:1,654 Points:330,905 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 4:42:47 PM Ignore Van_Halen Report Abuse . The idiot EPA came up with the number, NOT Hyundai! SO why don't they hound the EPA instead of Hyundai? More over its ONLY an ESTIMATE, its not guaranteed!
djwhit Champion Author Ohio Posts:1,311 Points:862,080 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 3:40:31 PM Ignore djwhit Report Abuse GET IT DONE............
SUNOIL Champion Author Toledo Posts:3,397 Points:1,567,155 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 3:27:01 PM Ignore SUNOIL Report Abuse Maybe they know it's wrong.
kx250 Champion Author Michigan Posts:1,406 Points:767,925 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 3:03:25 PM Ignore kx250 Report Abuse The NFL has almost wrecked this particular game, the media coming in a close second.
Teamy Rookie Author Miami Posts:90 Points:243,280 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 3:02:55 PM Ignore Teamy Report Abuse I don't know how valid theSE claims are, but estimates are based on variability - or else we could have a "true" number. If the statistical analysis is robust enough and based on appropriate technique, then what is the issue? Let's review the research and assure that the data is not manipulated.
mwc407 All-Star Author North Carolina Posts:807 Points:334,340 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 3:01:34 PM Ignore mwc407 Report Abuse If the consumer watchdogs have issues with federal government estimated fuel economy #s, they should take that up with the feds, not auto manufacturers. I would have held my ground and advertised it if I had been Hyundai!
BobBG Veteran Author Albany Posts:447 Points:578,850 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 2:58:55 PM Ignore BobBG Report Abuse I bought an Elantra in October and I average 28 combined. I'm sure I could do much better if I worked at it but I like to get on it a little.,to get close to the claimed mpg you really have to baby it. I love my Elantra.
Lugi1967 Champion Author Ohio Posts:3,107 Points:646,870 Joined:Jun 2010	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 2:35:56 PM Ignore Lugi1967 Report Abuse Ok we will still get the oicture
newman26 Sophomore Author Milwaukee Posts:199 Points:1,198,380 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 1:29:55 PM Ignore newman26 Report Abuse Car ads used to mention both city and highway mpg. Lately they emphasize highway mpg only.
blupupher Champion Author Houston Posts:1,687 Points:417,315 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 1:11:10 PM Ignore blupupher Report Abuse It is a shame people are too stupid to understand mileage ESTIMATES.
pzini Champion Author New Jersey Posts:5,374 Points:1,094,315 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 12:39:36 PM Ignore pzini Report Abuse For the last 2 weeks I have been in rental cars- first a 2012 Hyundai Elantra, and currently, a 2011 Chevy Cruze. I actually find my mpg to be virtually EXACTLY what the published mpg ratings are! The more driving I did on the highway, the higher my mpg (over 40 in both cars), and with more city driving, lower mpg. Actual gas consumed totaled mid 30s for both, which is EXACTLY what the EPA ratings predict. The Cruze seems to average about 32 mpg, while the Elantra was about 35. That would make sense, because the Cruze is a little heavier, which can be a good thing depending on your point of view- it definitely feels more 'planted' on the road, in that it is less subject to crosswinds and such. It also seemed quieter, except at full acceleration, when both cars make quite a racket as their small engines engage at full-tilt. For those that would see the content of this article as a reason to demonize the EPA, I would say you should probably find a different reason.
sluggopyle Champion Author North Carolina Posts:22,767 Points:1,052,300 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 12:32:50 PM Ignore sluggopyle Report Abuse Gee thanks Jeff but it's not a "sluggopyle article", I just submitted it. (aw shucks) I can't comment on the Elantra specifically, have never driven one, but reading this article the consumer watchdog group appears to have been contradicted with the CR update -- let alone the Popular Mechanics test. => In my opinion, they should subtract an estimated 6-8 mpg from the test calculations, in order to account for "real life" driving conditions. Until changes are made for the testing methodology, inaccurate results will remain. <= I believe they already do something like this, as the EPA ratings were dumbed-down years ago to a less realistic number. My daily driver is rated by the EPA at 32 highway (on the newer dumbdown scale) yet I consistently get at least 40 to 42. Just one example. Beating EPA ratings is not hard. They're a classic example of setting the bar low.
BBopp Champion Author Dayton Posts:5,433 Points:1,675,530 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 12:31:16 PM Ignore BBopp Report Abuse No biggie, we all know that no one ever gets the mpg that is stated.
davidel57 Champion Author Houston Posts:5,108 Points:931,435 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 12:09:02 PM Ignore davidel57 Report Abuse We are getting 33 in town and high 30s on the road. Only way to get 40 mpg is one person, driving about 60 mph, but you can do it. Really like the car by the way.
zeitgeist669 Rookie Author Knoxville Posts:4 Points:258,855 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 12:06:08 PM Ignore zeitgeist669 Report Abuse I consistently get 35mpg in town in my 2009 Elantra. Well over 40 on the highway if I can keep it below 60mph
Jeff4U Champion Author Atlanta Posts:6,551 Points:1,488,470 Joined:Nov 2004	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:57:50 AM Ignore Jeff4U Report Abuse After reviewing results from Popular Mechanics, I now do not trust this or any Consumer Watchdog report. Same car tested by Popular Mechanics (a sluggopyle article)
Pete12 Champion Author Albany Posts:3,956 Points:1,334,310 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:57:36 AM Ignore Pete12 Report Abuse I'd like to see it get it.
fuelconscious Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:2,127 Points:547,795 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:51:00 AM Ignore fuelconscious Report Abuse They don't mention the fact it is assembled in Alabama either.
Jeff4U Champion Author Atlanta Posts:6,551 Points:1,488,470 Joined:Nov 2004	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:39:00 AM Ignore Jeff4U Report Abuse The root of the problem ... an unrealistic test: "A car or truck’s fuel economy is measured under rigidly controlled circumstances in a laboratory using a standardized test that’s mandated by federal law. Each model is tested on what’s called a dynamometer." In my opinion, they should subtract an estimated 6-8 mpg from the test calculations, in order to account for "real life" driving conditions. Until changes are made for the testing methodology, inaccurate results will remain.
kag2010 Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:3,399 Points:659,335 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:35:19 AM Ignore kag2010 Report Abuse Still, there’s one element that will be missing from the commercial
humblepie Champion Author Toledo Posts:17,248 Points:2,007,270 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:29:12 AM Ignore humblepie Report Abuse the epa strikes again, what a useless government agency along with the doe if they where both de-funded just think how much smaller our grandkids debt would be.
Yooperheart Champion Author Michigan Posts:1,362 Points:164,080 Joined:Feb 2010	Message Posted: Feb 5, 2012 11:04:34 AM Ignore Yooperheart Report Abuse Perhaps they are being honest for a change. Real driving does consist of varying degrees of conditions. No one person will get the same mpg. So why bother displaying the numbers any way?