Automaker Rankings 2018

Findings

Compared to the last Automaker Rankings:

• Toyota increased their average emissions
• Hyundai-Kia and Ford emit the same, on average, as they did four years ago.
• Tesla tops the list of lowest average emissions with its small, all-electric fleet.
• Honda, the best performing large automaker, placed a distant second.

There is no excuse for this slowed progress. Engineers at these companies have consistently designed innovative technologies to make better, cleaner and more efficient cars that benefit consumers, and that comply with the emissions standards. But automakers barely deploy even some of the most cost-effective and readily available technologies in today’s vehicle fleet.

An opportunity to lead

Automakers have renewed lobbying efforts to weaken federal vehicle standards, and have delayed technology deployment designed to provide consumers with more efficient, cleaner vehicles in every class. But, it could be different. The auto industry has the opportunity to lead to a cleaner future.

Manufacturers and suppliers have developed a wide range of technologies to reduce fuel use; many of these technologies have barely begun to be rolled out. History shows that in the absence of strong standards, manufacturers tend to use their resources to boost vehicle performance alone, foregoing reductions in fuel use and increasing emissions.

Numerous automakers say that action on climate change is important, but their actions and their emissions show that while they may talk a good game, the industry is not ready to walk the walk.

This report outlines concrete steps that each manufacturer can take to move toward the more sustainable future in which so many claim to believe. If automakers seize the opportunity to innovate and cut emissions, maybe the next Automaker Rankings will show that automakers are actually accelerating toward a cleaner future instead of fighting to slam on the brakes.