Greenest Automaker

 

In today's economy automakers are being forced to emphasize the environmentally friendly side of vehicles. Stricter standards for fuel efficiency and emissions are largely responsible for this shift. A recent report by the Union of Concerned Scientists examines the top 8 automakers in the United States in regards to fuel efficiency and emissions.

 

Kia-World.net says, "A report issued by the Union of Concerned Scientists sees Hyundai-Kia as the 'Greenest Automaker,' stealing the top spot from Honda." The UCS Automotive Ranking report dates back to 1998 and Honda was the only automaker to be named "Greenest Automaker" until Hyundai-Kia dethroned Honda in this year's report.

 

The report showed that on average all 8 automakers have reduced smog-forming tailpipe emissions by 87% and global warming emissions by 20% since 2000.

Hyundai-Kia was able to claim the "Greenest Automaker" spot by downsizing and turbocharging their engines, as well as producing electric versions of the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima. Honda claimed the second spot in the report followed by Toyota, Nissan, and Volkswagen, all tying for third. Ford, GM, and Chrysler placed 6th, 7th, and 8th respectively, all falling below the industry average.

 

Stricter emissions standards will force automakers to continue reducing emissions. Kia-World.net says, "One of the reasons why Hyundai-Kia have been so effective in this area is because they have been taking a proactive approach to emissions and fuel efficiency for several years, which makes you believe that the top spot on the green list may be theirs for quite some time."