Green Rankings For Car Companies 

Car companies all like to claim they are going green these days, but what is the truth? Well, the green rankings for car companies are out and now we know that Honda is the winner. 

They say the consumer sets the market for goods and items. This seems true in some cases, but in others it does not. One area where this is clearly happening is in the auto market. Companies like Honda and Toyota got the early jump on the hybrid phenomena, but now nearly every car company is touting their green credentials. Heck, even gas guzzling Porsche is now trying it. So, who is telling the truth and who is fudging? Let’s take a look. 

The Union of Concerned Scientists does a ranking of the car companies and individual models each year. While the Prius took home its share of awards, the overall award went to Honda. The company beat out Toyota and Hyundai by a single point in the rating system. Surprised? Don’t be. This is the fifth straight year Honda has won the award. 

What about Toyota? Given the wild success of the Prius, you would think it would walk away with the win. Well, the Prius did win many individual awards. That being said, Toyota actually offers a fairly limited number of hybrids compared to its entire fleet whereas Honda offers a much broader range. 

So, who finished at the bottom of the list? Despite the commercials you see, it should be no surprise that the three American car companies filled the bottom. Chrysler came in dead last given its pathetic green efforts. Ford and GM were right there as well. The difference is Chrysler is showing no improvement, while Ford and GM are making major pushes into the hybrid area with offerings like the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Chevy Volt. Next year should see them shoot up the list. Will they challenge for the top ranking? Probably not, but progress will be made nonetheless.