Source: GreenBiz.com
WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2006 - Amid dramatic changes in the U.S. vehicle
market and continued concerns about U.S. oil dependence, the American
Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has announced the year's
"greenest" and "meanest" vehicles, along with the environmental scorings
of all model year 2006 cars and passenger trucks. The vehicle scores are
part of ACEEE's Green Book Online, the ninth annual edition of ACEEE's
environmental guide to cars and trucks, available online at
GreenerCars.com.
Capturing the "greenest vehicle" title with a photo-finish this year is
the hybrid-electric Honda Insight. In second place is the natural
gas-powered Honda Civic GX, while the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid,
and Toyota Corolla round out the top five. Although the Ford Escape
Hybrid -- last year's notable newcomer -- was pushed off this year's top
twelve list by a number of new, low-emitting conventional cars, hybrids
as a whole continue to perform well, taking three of the top four spots
overall and placing at or near the top of many vehicle classes.
"In the world of green vehicles, hybrids are still the team to beat, as
they generally have better fuel economy and cleaner emissions than other
models in their respective classes," stated author and principal vehicle
analyst James Kliesch, a research associate at ACEEE. "Nonetheless,
consumers should be aware that having 'hybrid' in the name doesn't
necessarily mean the vehicle will be green." As automakers look to take
advantage of the hybrid buzz, experts are concerned that the focus of
hybrid design may shift from saving fuel to simply further increasing
vehicle power.
Widely regarded as the pre-eminent buyer's guide to environment-friendly
passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs, GreenerCars.com provides the facts
necessary to examine the eco-performance of any 2006 model. Vehicles are
analyzed on the basis of a "Green Score," a singular measure that
incorporates unhealthy tailpipe emissions, fuel consumption, and the
emissions of gases that cause global warming.
The GreenerCars.com Web site also identifies top widely available models
in each vehicle class. This "Greener Choices" list includes larger
vehicles, such as the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV, Honda Odyssey minivan, and
Toyota Tundra pickup. Passenger cars such as the Hyundai Sonata and Ford
Focus Wagon also top their respective classes. As the list demonstrates,
consumers can make "greener choices," whether they need a sedan,
minivan, pickup truck, or SUV.
While keeping pace with increasingly stringent federal tailpipe
emissions requirements, U.S. manufacturers captured the top scoring
position in only four of the fourteen vehicle classes. "Unfortunately,
the domestic manufacturers are not closing the gap with the leading
foreign manufacturers on fuel economy," noted Therese Langer, ACEEE's
transportation program director. "Detroit has had a difficult year, but
given high gasoline prices and shifting consumer preferences, offering
more fuel-efficient vehicles is not a luxury -- it's a business
necessity."
The "Meanest Vehicle for the Environment," for the second consecutive
year, goes to the 8.3-liter, 500-horsepower Dodge Ram SRT10 pickup
truck. Rounding out the "bottom 5" are the Lamborghini Murcielago,
Bentley Arnage, Dodge Durango, and Dodge Ram 1500 pickup. Other
prominent models on the "meanest" list include the Hummer H2, Ford F-250
pickup, GMC Yukon XL K2500, Volkswagen Touareg, and Chevrolet Suburban
K2500.
"Last month, the Energy Department almost doubled its long-term oil
price forecast," noted Bill Prindle, ACEEE's policy director. "That
means gasoline prices will continue their upward trend. At the same
time, the signs of global warming are clearer than ever. Simply by
choosing the most efficient vehicle in each class, we could cut our
average gasoline bill by $510 a year, while cutting carbon emissions
more than 30 percent. So whether it's for your pocketbook or for the
planet, there has never been a better time to buy a green vehicle."
In addition to highlighting the year's "Greenest," "Meanest," "Greener
Choices," and best-in-class lists, the GreenerCars.com Web site contains
informational write-ups on model year 2006 highlights, a consumer primer
on vehicles and the environment, and advice on how to buy green when
shopping for a new car or truck.
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