Back in 2000 (read full press here) VW exceeded 119 mpg in a regular family car.
In 2003 the The Volkswagen Lupo was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records™ for it.
So the question is two part:
Why can no one else (even VW) bring this tech to the US?
Volkswagen's most economical production car has also recently been placed top for the fourth time in a row, in an environmental car ranking by the prestigious German institute 'Öko-Trend'. This was due not only to its exceptional economy, but also through the environmental consideration demonstrated during the Lupo's production. Another place in the Guinness World Records™ Book is a major endorsement of Volkswagen's PD ('Pumpe Düse' or unit injector) TDI technology. This system, which uses an individual pump and injector for each cylinder, develops much more injection pressure than common rail, leading to greater efficiency.
The Lupo 3L TDI uses a 1.2-litre TDI PD diesel engine, combined with extensive use of lightweight components and automatic operation of its clutch and five speed gearbox. It is the world's first production car to achieve average consumption of less than three litres per 100 km, which accounts for the '3L' designation in the model's name.