Hyundai scores greenie points

The Hyundai Sonata was picked as the car most friendly to the environment

Korean company Hyundai, winner of a New Zealand Automobile Association award for efforts in bio-fuel advances, has been named in the United States as one of the most environmentally friendly carmakers.

Several Hyundai models appeared on a list of "greener" cars prepared by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.

For the past nine years the council has scored cars and trucks on their level of environmental friendliness.

The Hyundai Accent ranked sixth on the 2006 list, topped by the Toyota Prius, the Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Corolla.

The Hyundai Elantra also received a high ranking in the mid-size car category, while the Sonata topped the large car segment.

Hyundai Automotive NZ managing director Philip Eustace says the awards reinforce the recognition the brand is receiving in New Zealand and Australia on environmental issues.

"We have undertaken a very active role to raise the profile of bio-fuels being a real option here in New Zealand, and it has been very satisfying to have that commitment recognised," said Eustace.

"Hyundai vehicles here accept up to 10 per cent alternative fuels in their mix. Our petrol cars will take 10 per cent ethanol, and our diesel cars will take 10 per cent bio diesel."

The American council is independent and non-profit, aimed at advancing energy efficiency while also maintaining economic prosperity.

Vehicles are analysed on a "green score" that includes measuring fuel consumption and gas emissions that cause global warming.

Eustace said Hyundai would continue to work with the Government and the carmaking industry to maintain the profile of alternative fuels.

"Here in New Zealand we are in a unique position to develop our own alternative fuels industry, given our ability to grow crops such as maize and produce whey by-products that provide a primary input to ethanol production."