Ford to pay hybrid buyers for exaggerated mileage claims

Industry

Ford to pay hybrid buyers for exaggerated mileage claims

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said yesterday that U.S. automaker Ford will compensate local buyers of the Fusion Hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid through its local unit for inaccurate gas mileage information.

The ministry said nine Fusion Hybrids manufactured between March and April 2013 and 21 MKZ Hybrids produced between November and February are involved. Owners of the Fusion Hybrid can receive about 1.5 million won ($1,472), while MKZ Hybrid buyers will get 2.7 million won.

This is the first time local consumers will be compensated for exaggerated fuel efficiency.

In the United States, Ford was caught inflating the gas mileage of Fusion Hybrid by 10.6 percent and the MKZ Hybrid by 15.6 percent.

The Transport Ministry said it will fine Ford for gas mileage inflation.