News: new world record of 68 MPG around the lower U.S. in a Jetta TDI

[MetroMPG]

The Australian couple of Helen and John Taylor have beat their own record (58.8 MPG) with a 67.9 MPG run around the 48 contiguous US states:

The pair has over 80 fuel economy and driving records. In order to achieve their latest record, Helen and John drove the same vehicle they used to set their record in 2008, a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. The only difference: the Jetta was outfitted with Goodyear's Fuel Max tires this time.

Source: Australian Duo Breaks Guinness Fuel Efficiency World Record – Automotive News & Car Rumors at Automobile Magazine

[ALS]

The present record is held by a Honda Civic Hybrid.

November 22nd, 2008 marked the beginning of a historic effort by three highly regarded Hypermilers to break a World Record established just two months prior. Completed September 25th, this record was achieved by Australians John and Helen Taylor in a 2009 VW Jetta 2.0L TDI sponsored by Volkswagen, Shell, and Navman. The Guinness verified record of 58.82mpg (US) set a new standard of efficiency in real world (official) mileage while traversing the country. Could our team of intrepid drivers overtake this lofty number in spite of unpredictable winter conditions?

Not only did they overtake the target mileage, they exceeded it by 11.5% to establish the new record at 68.54mpg (US) in a 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid carrying three people and their luggage through all 48 contiguous states!

Honda hybrid record

[MetroMPG]

Interesting - I remembered that Wayne & co's run beat the Taylor's previous record. But I didn't recall the actual MPG figure from the Civic hybrid. Which now makes me wonder where the mistake is.

The Taylors are claiming the new Guinness record, so who really officially has it? Was the CleanMPG run vetted by the Guinness people? Is that the distinction?

[tasdrouille]

ALS, can you point to a source outside of CleanMPG?

Guinness says otherwise.

Wayne knows the story, I think he should tell it.

[tasdrouille]

I wrote to Guinness yesterday before my previous post.

I got the following answer today.

Mr Gerdes was sent the guidelines for this attempt but up to this date we have not received any evidence to support this claim.