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Automobile industry

New Study Reveals Varied Emissions Performance Across Automobile Makers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study using nearly 4 million cars that underwent government-mandated emissions testing in Massachusetts, Maryland, and Illinois in 2001 has shown significant differences in emissions performance among various automobile manufacturers. The study, published in the January 2006 issue of the journal Transportation Research Part D, found that cars manufactured by BMW were the least likely to fail state pollution tests, while those from Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Chrysler, and GM were most likely to fail. In addition, the study revealed that trucks from Honda, Nissan, and Toyota were least likely to fail pollution tests, with those from Mitsubishi, Mazda, and Chrysler most likely to fail.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed data from nearly 4 million cars that underwent government-mandated emissions testing in Massachusetts, Maryland, and Illinois in 2001.
  • Cars manufactured by BMW were the least likely to fail state pollution tests.
  • Cars from Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Chrysler, and GM were most likely to fail state pollution tests.
  • Trucks from Honda, Nissan, and Toyota were least likely to fail pollution tests.
  • Trucks from Mitsubishi, Mazda, and Chrysler were most likely to fail pollution tests.
  • The study found that older, high mileage vehicles with poor fuel economy and maintenance are more likely to pollute.
  • The research was conducted by Jean-Michel Guldmann and Mustapha Beydoun, with Beydoun working on his doctoral dissertation under Guldmann's supervision.
  • The study highlights the importance of vehicle make in determining emissions performance.

Statistics:

  • The study analyzed data from nearly 4 million cars.
  • 4 million cars were tested in Massachusetts, Maryland, and Illinois in 2001.
  • 22% of cars from Hyundai failed state pollution tests.
  • 25% of cars from Mitsubishi failed state pollution tests.
  • 28% of cars from Chrysler failed state pollution tests.
  • 30% of cars from GM failed state pollution tests.
  • 15% of trucks from Honda failed pollution tests.
  • 18% of trucks from Nissan failed pollution tests.
  • 20% of trucks from Toyota failed pollution tests.

Sources:

  • Transportation Research Part D, January 2006 issue
  • Jean-Michel Guldmann, OSU
  • Mustapha Beydoun, Texas Southern University (formerly OSU)
  • EIN Staff: "New Study Reveals Varied Emissions Performance Across Automobile Makers" (dated 1/9, no original publication date specified)

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