Honda "Greenest Automaker" in the US
Japanese auto makers are driving Americans toward a cleaner environment, according to a report released Tuesday by Union of Concerned Scientists, the US environmental group.
Honda Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. lead the rankings. Hyundai-Kia ranked third among America's top eight auto makers, followed by Nissan Motor Co. and Volkswagen AG, according to UCS.
"There is still a big gap between the cleanest and the dirtiest vehicles," said Don MacKenzie, author of the study, which reviewed 2005 vehicle models:
He said the group focused on the nation's top eight auto makers because combined they sell the majority of U.S. vehicles and account for nearly one-third sold globally:
The group ranked each company by the smog-producing capacity of their vehicles and the effect those vehicles had on global warming. Honda earned its fourth consecutive "Greenest Automaker" distinction.
Comments
While this comparison is useful, I'd be interested to know things like: to what extent is recycling considered in materials? (Audi uses coir (coconut fiber) for floor mats, inner door liners and dash boards for example); what are the emissions of their factories?; how far do they ship their product from point of origin to the consumer?; and so on. It all adds up. I have read that 1/5 of the energy that a car causes to be used in its useful life is used to manufacture it in the first place.
Not criticizing - Anything that gets people to think about such things is good, and we should praise and reward progress. But also I question calling ANY auto manufacturer "Green". ;^)
I'd like to see Japan stop building roads (a form of political pay-off usually) and spend the money on public transport. K would not need a car if the bus line near us ran more frequently. It is down to twice a day which is ridiculous.