Kia Optima Hybrid Making Guinness Fuel Consumption Record Attempt

Two designated drivers will or will not set a new World Record for lowest fuel consumption in a hybrid car this week as they attempt to prove the new Kia Optima Hybrid’s green credentials. The feat will see them driving through a total of “48 adjoining states of America” and hopefully into the pages of history.

“Fuel economy is becoming increasingly important to car buyers all around the world, and the Kia Optima Hybrid is one of our latest models to address this consumer requirement. Driving through all 48 adjoining US states is the ultimate ‘real-world’ challenge, but the Kia Optima Hybrid gives the drivers the very best chance of setting a new Guinness World Record, as it has been specifically designed to achieve maximum fuel economy in all driving conditions, not just in the city,” explains Senior Executive Vice President & COO of Kia Motors Corporation, Thomas Oh.

Experienced fuel economy driver Wayne Gerdes and his friend Chris Bernius will be the ones taking on this 8,000 mile fuel economy challenge. The starting point has been set at Kia Motors’ manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, from where the hybrid sedan will set off later today, traveling through the 48 adjoining states in a clockwise direction, before finishing in South Carolina just 16 days later, on September 10.

Kia is understandably proud of their new Optima, as this is their first hybrid in the US market. It went on sale in East- and West-coast regions in June 2011, priced from $26,500, with national availability by the end of the year. A European version will make use of a smaller 2.0-liter gasoline engine and is expected to go on sale in some markets in 2012.