The Union of Concerned Scientists have been steadily tracking automakers' sustainability efforts with their Automaker Ranking report since 1998, and for the first time in its 16-year history, a new brand has succeeded Honda as the "Greenest Automaker:" Hyundai-Kia. The incredible achievement was made possible by the brand's ongoing initiatives in relation to sustainability, which include the production of the Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata hybrid models, as well as engine revisions throughout both lineups. As Hyundai-Kia continues to make advancements in fuel economy, they could create an even larger gap between themselves and the rest of the automakers, stretching their green efforts as far as they can go.
While Honda dropped into second place this year on USC's ranking, Toyota, Nissan and Volkswagen all tied for the number three spot. Ford, General Motors and Chrysler came in behind the top three, where they've rested since the Automaker Ranking report first began. However, each of the automakers did show a reduction in their average smog-forming and carbon emissions in comparison to their averages cited on the USC's first report. This is the only time this has happened, which proves manufacturers are taking the time to further their green initiatives.
"Automakers have a lot of clean technology ready to roll, and they are only just beginning to deploy it," said Don Anair, research director of the UCS Clean Vehicles program. "Continued investments by automakers coupled with strong performance standards will ensure new models further reduce fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions while offering the cleanest, most fuel-efficient vehicle choices for their customers."
