S. Korea mulls adopting U.S. fuel economy norm

SEOUL, June 30 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is considering introducing the U.S. fuel
economy standard in an effort to curb carbon emissions, officials said Tuesday.
South Korea currently tests a vehicle's fuel efficiency up to 160km, whereas in
the U.S. vehicles are tested until they reach at least 6,400km.
Since an engine requires a significant period of time before its moving parts are
properly seated, the South Korean method of measuring an automobile's fuel
efficiency is considered less accurate, according to officials at the Ministry of
Knowledge Economy.
"There is a need to compare our measurement of fuel efficiency with global
standards," said an official at the ministry, which oversees the auto industry.
The move follows steps by the U.S. government to toughen its fuel-efficiency
standards for passenger cars to 16.6km per gallon by 2015.
The U.S. is the biggest overseas market for South Korean carmakers such as
Hyundai Motor Co. and its affiliate Kia Motors Corp.
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