Volkswagen of America set a new Guinness World Records achievement for the “lowest fuel consumption – 48 U.S. states for a non-hybrid car” at 77.99 mpg. In a Passat TDI Clean Diesel car with two drivers, the record was achieved on a set of Continental’s PureContact tires with EcoPlus technology. 
The record betters the previous mark of 67.9 mpg and also beats the hybrid vehicle record of 64.5 mpg, the tiremaker said.
“We’re extremely proud to be a part of Volkswagen’s Guinness World Record achievement,” said Travis Roffler, director of marketing for Continental Tire the Americas. “To travel 8,122 miles over two weeks, on just 104.94 gallons of fuel, is a testament to the confidence that our PureContact tires provided Volkswagen, Wayne Gerdes and Bob Winger. This world record definitely demonstrates the benefits of EcoPlus Technology for the consumer.”
The vehicle departed from Volkswagen of America’s headquarters in Herndon, Va., on June 7 at noon and arrived back to headquarters on June 24. Gerdes, automotive journalist and founder of cleanmpg.com, was the primary driver while Winger, an electronics engineer long involved in energy and conservation projects, helped to co-drive. The journey took the two across the lower 48 U.S. states covering 8,122 miles with just 104.94 gallons of fuel and one set of Continental PureContact tires.
The record marks the second time in less than two months that Continental tires have been used to help set a Guinness World Record. On May 11, Johan Schwartz shattered the record for longest sustained drift in a BMW M5 Sedan on ContiSportContact 5P’s at the BMW Performance Center in Greenville, S.C.
