Honda Leads in Fuel Efficiency

Honda Motor Co. has the most fuel efficient fleet in the United States, followed closely by Hyundai Motor Co., the Environmental Protection Agency said Friday in releasing preliminary figures for 2009. According to the Detroit News, all vehicles sold in the 2009 model year are expected to average 21.1 miles per gallon in "real world" driving, which is one-tenth of a mile better than in the 2008 model year. Final 2009 figures will be released next year in October or November. The preliminary numbers are based on sales data and confidential product reports and sales estimates from the companies and usually don't vary much from the final tallies, which are based on actual sales. Honda had a fleet wide 23.6 MPG fuel economy average in the 2009 model year. Hyundai had 23.4 MPG. Toyota Motor Corp., which was tied for first in 2007, slipped to third with 23.2 MPG. Volkswagen AG was fourth at 22.3 MPG; while Nissan Motor Co. and BMW AG were tied for fifth at 21.6 MPG. The EPA reports "real world" fuel economy rankings and carbon emissions. Because of credits for building alternative fueled vehicles, real-world adjustments and testing procedures, the EPA figures are at least 25 percent lower than those on new vehicle stickers. For more on Honda’s leadership in fuel efficiency, including facts and statistics, click here.