Australian couple breaks Guinness record for fuel economy

An Australian couple has broken their own record for fuel economy, light-footing it across the lower 48 American states to the tune of 67.90 mpg.

Helen and John Taylor beat the mark of 58.82 mpg that they set last year, landing them again in the Guinness Book of Records. They drove a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI for both runs.

The record-setting drive was not an accident. The Taylors hold more than 80 fuel-economy and driving world records. Their three-week journey started and finished in Virginia. Along the way, they clicked off more than 9,000 miles, hitting 14 checkpoints and obeying speed limits as the Guinness record book requires.

The Taylors' record-breaking run highlights several fuel-saving innovations available now, including the potential benefits of diesel. Their Jetta gets 30 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA, while offering the same practical driving abilities as a gasoline-powered version.

The couple also credits tires with a fuel-saving tread compound as a reason for their improved performance this year. Made by Goodyear, the tires reduce energy lost as they roll.

The Taylors beat their 2008 run by 9 mpg. They also avoided idling and higher speeds to maintain fuel economy.

“We hope our record-breaking journey helps educate the driving public that decisions such as choosing the right tires, using the right fuel and adopting fuel-saving driving techniques can help anyone save money and fuel, and reduce carbon emissions,” Helen Taylor said in a statement.

By Greg Migliore