Honda, Hyundai lead EPA fuel efficiency rankings
David Shepardson Detroit News Washington Bureau
November 20, 2009 23:52 PM

Washington -- Honda Motor Co. has the most fuel efficient fleet in the United States, followed closely by Hyundai Motor Co., the Environmental Protection Agency said today in releasing preliminary figures.

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.

The EPA also released final numbers for the 2008 model year, reporting the nation's fleet jumped 0.4 miles per gallon from 20.6 mpg in 2007 to 21.0 mpg.

The figures account for total vehicles sold. Detroit's Big Three, which sell proportionally larger trucks and SUVs than foreign competitors, were at the bottom of the tally.

The numbers show automakers will have to reduce emissions sharply in the coming years.

The White House wants to require vehicles to average no more than 250 grams of carbon dioxide emissions per mile by 2016 -- though automakers will be able to earn credits toward meeting the requirements. The European Union is going much further: It has mandated that automakers average 130 grams per mile by 2015.

Honda had a fleet-wide 23.6 mpg fuel economy average, emitting 376 grams per mile of carbon dioxide -- a heat-trapping greenhouse gas -- in the 2009 model year.

Hyundai had 23.4 mpg. and 380 grams per mile of carbon dioxide

Toyota Motor Corp., which was tied for first in 2007, slipped to third with a 23.2 mpg and 383 grams per mile.