US-Style Fuel Efficiency Measurement Method May be Introduced

The government is considering introducing an American-style method of calculating automobile fuel efficiency. The Ministry of Knowledge Economy and a government committee on green growth said that the conversion would promote the fuel efficiency of cars. Currently, the fuel efficiency of Korean cars is calculated when they have run 160 kilometers; the U.S. measures automobile fuel efficiency when cars have run 6,400 kilometers. Under the current system, the fuel efficiency of Korean cars is deemed lower than that of American models. Calls are growing for a change in the domestic fuel efficiency measurement method, since the U.S. plans to further raise the fuel efficiency standard for passenger cars and fine violatators after 2015. (June 30, 2009)