Did Hyundai pull MPG claims from Super Bowl ad due to watchdog group pressure? [w/video] Car News and Review

Hyundai has been targeted by Consumer Watchdog, a non-profit advocacy organization, over the automaker’s 40 mpg fuel efficiency claim on the Hyundai Elantra. The group says Elantra owners have seen fuel economy averages of 18 and 19 mpg instead of the the 29 mpg metropolis and 40 mpg highway reported by Hyundai and the Environmental Protection Agency. As such, the group has sent letters to the two Hyundai CEO John Krafcik and President Eok Jo Kim warning that if the automaker advertised the 40 mpg claim in the company’s Super Bowl spots, Consumer Watchdog would release a retaliatory video of its own. The group has since followed through with that threat.

Hyundai has since released a new, updated version of its Super Bowl ad, and Consumer Watchdog claims the Korean automaker has now promised not to include the 40 mpg figure in whatever of the spots. Hyundai, meanwhile, released a statement saying the company’s advertizing was “in no way” influenced by the Consumer Watchdog claims, comments or statements. Click past the jump for a look at the Elantra Super Bowl spot, the Consumer Watchdog clip around the vehicle’s mileage claims and a press release from the non-profit.

Also worth a read is Popular Mechanics just-published (and very timely) fuel-economy test of two cars boasting 40 mph EPA highway ratings: the Ford Focus SFE and the Hyundai Elantra. Ultimately, when you get past entirely the noise, it’s important to remember that “your mileage may vary” is a mantra for a reason.