Hyundai-Kia, Honda and Toyota are the most eco-friendly automakers in the world, according to a new ranking released by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).The 2014 Automaker Rankings report analyzes new passenger cars and trucks from the 2013 model year. For the first time, the UCS analysis shows that all 8 top-selling automakers now have reduced the global-warming emissions from their average vehicle sold when compared to the first report that looked at 1998 vehicles. Tailpipe emissions of smog-forming pollutants from the average vehicle also have decreased by 87 percent since 2000.
Hyundai-Kia, Honda and Toyota are the most eco-friendly automakers in the world, according to a new ranking released by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).
The 2014 Automaker Rankings report analyzes new passenger cars and trucks from the 2013 model year. For the first time, the UCS analysis shows that all 8 top-selling automakers now have reduced the global-warming emissions from their average vehicle sold when compared to the first report that looked at 1998 vehicles. Tailpipe emissions of smog-forming pollutants from the average vehicle also have decreased by 87 percent since 2000.
This year, Hyundai-Kia was named “Greenest Automaker,” toppling Honda for the first time. The UCS analysis shows that a concerted effort to improve the fuel efficiency across its fleet — and therefore reduce its global-warming emissions — enabled Hyundai-Kia to pass Honda. To do this, Hyundai-Kia replaced the engines used in a number of models with smaller and more efficient turbocharged engines and also introduced hybrid-electric versions of two of its top-selling vehicles, the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima.
However, not all manufacturers are showing the same leadership on improving their environmental performance, UCS says. As with every Automaker Rankings to date, the Detroit Three fall at the back of the pack, performing worse than the industry average. Finishing in last place is Chrysler, which has earned the “dirtiest tailpipe” distinction in all but one of the scientists’ analyses.
On a more positive note, Ford has made big strides and is beginning to pull away from its truck-heavy counterparts, thanks to both its leadership in turbocharging and downsizing its engines as well as a developing hybrid rivalry with Toyota. Its smaller engines can be found in vehicles ranging from the top-selling vehicle on the road, the F-150 pick-up, all the way down to its smallest vehicles, proving that fuel economy can be improved in all vehicle classes, even trucks. And 1 in 10 of the cars Ford now sells are hybrid models.
Each automaker is taking a different approach to cleaning up its fleet, which shows how many different pathways to progress are possible. For example, using a turbocharger can provide a boost in power, allowing manufacturers to draw the same level of performance out of a smaller, more efficient engine. While turbochargers have been used for years to provide a sporty boost in torque, manufacturers such as Ford are now using this technology to improve fuel economy.
UCS says expanding the use of diesels and hybrids, plug-in electric vehicles and other technologies will allow manufacturers plenty of flexibility to meet fuel economy and global-warming emissions standards in the coming years.
General Motors has seen success with its fleet of fuel cell vehicles, which recently passed three million miles of hydrogen-powered, real-world driving, avoiding 157,894 gallons of gasoline consumption. GM’s specially equipped fleet of Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles are part of the company’s 119-vehicle Project Driveway program, launched in 2007. Since then, more than 5,000 drivers have provided feedback on the functionality and drivability of fuel cell technology.
In March, the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) and CSR Europe, facilitators of the European Automotive Working Group on Supply Chain Sustainability, announced an unprecedented agreement among 14 global automakers on a set of standards outlining expectations for suppliers on key responsibility issues including human rights, environment, working conditions and business ethics. As thousands of automotive, electronics and manufacturing companies faced a May 31 deadline to file their first Conflict Minerals Report with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), AIAG on Friday announced an assessment of industry progress on the issue in the first reporting year, and outlined plans for increased collaboration in the years ahead. A recent AIAG survey of more than 550 corporate responsibility professionals in the automotive, manufacturing and related industries in 40 countries, identified conflict minerals — tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold sourced from embattled areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo — as the most significant issue facing the automotive industry this year.
Published Jun 1, 2014 4am EDT / 1am PDT / 9am BST / 10am CEST
Managing Director, Sustainability & Social Impact
Deutsche Bank
Mike Hower is a sustainability communicator and connector committed to helping purpose-driven businesses and people unlock their full potential for positive impact. As founder and principal consultant at Hower Impact, he works with companies to translate sustainability strategy into stories that inform, engage and inspire investors, customers, employees, regulators and other stakeholders in the service of social, environmental and business goals. Through his Impact Hired initiative, he works to connect and engage corporate sustainability professionals at all stages of their careers.
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