A pair of automakers will pay the State of Iowa $1.4 million to settle claims that the companies misrepresented fuel economy ratings for some of their vehicles. The case involves Kia and Hyundai vehicles from 2011, 12 and 13 (2011-2013). Geoff Greenwood, spokesperson for the Iowa Attorney General’s office, says prosecutors believe the automakers deliberately overstated fuel efficiencies of several of their cars.
Greenwood says the fuel economy claims came at a time when gasoline prices were at historically high levels. This agreement follows a similar deal that led to payments to owners of Kia and Hyundai vehicles.
The company’s $1.4 million payment to Iowa will go to the state’s Consumer Education and Litigation Fund. Overall, the companies are paying $41.2 million to 33 states and the District of Columbia.
