BMW GROUP IS WORLD’S MOST SUSTAINABLE CAR COMPANY

 

The BMW Group has been named as the world’s most sustainable automobile manufacturer for the sixth consecutive year.

This was the conclusion of the SAM Group , published in its latest evaluation for the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI).

The BMW Group is the only company in the automotive industry to have been listed in this important group of sustainability indexes every year since it was established in 1999 and named Supersector leader for each of the past six years. This year, the BMW Group is also the only German company to be ranked among the 19 Supersector leaders worldwide.

“We are delighted to be recognised by the renowned Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes. This independent ranking confirms once again that the BMW Group plays a leading role in the automotive industry of the future,” said Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “For us, being the world’s most sustainable automobile company means accepting responsibility as a good corporate citizen. It motivates us to continue along this path towards our vision of sustainable individual mobility.”

The fact that sustainability is an integral part of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy was rated particularly highly by SAM Group analysts. The Board of Management of the BMW Group declared sustainability one of the company’s core strategic principles back in 2000. At the BMW Group, corporate sustainability is firmly entrenched throughout the entire value chain: from the development of fuel-saving and alternative vehicle concepts through clean production processes to green recycling practices. The BMW Group also accepts responsibility for its 96,000 employees and is involved in social projects outside of its plants.

Further information on BMW Group’s sustainability activities is available at: www.bmwgroup.com/responsibility

The SAM Group analyses the economic, environmental and social performance of approximately 2,500 companies and selects the best in each industry for the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes. General sustainability criteria are considered as well as industry-specific challenges such as climate change. The Dow Jones Sustainability Index was the first global sustainability index to be created, in 1999, and has since been published each year by the SAM Group, based in Zurich, in cooperation with Dow Jones Indexes and STOXX Limited. More information is available at www.sustainability-indexes.com and http://www.greencarguide.co.uk

Best Fuel Efficient Cars 2013-2014 – Top 10 List

We have compiled a list of most fuel efficient cars for 2013/2014 based on miles per gallon (mpg). 2013 was a great year for fuel economy developments. Along with high gas prices and President Obama’s new fuel economy standards (to reach a 54.5 mpg average for new cars by 2025), a JD Power survey has shown that fuel efficiency is a high-priority consumer concern.

With these goals in perspective, automakers have been pouring research and technology into developing better fuel efficient cars, bringing about in 2013 a large surge of various hybrid and electric cars. While the electric-only cars are the most efficient cars, this list of fuel-efficient cars will not include them due to the inconvenience of the relatively short trip ranges of electric cars. Speedy and prevalent recharge stations for electric cars are not yet in production, so the owners of these cars will have to recharge at home or arrange complicated recharge plans for longer trips.

2013-2014 Best Gas Mileage Cars in the U.S.: Top 10 List

1. 2013 Toyota Prius: 51 City/48 Hwy (50 Combined).

Hybrid vehicle. Base price: $24,200. Engine: 1.8L, 4 cylinders, 134 horsepower. Total Range EPA: 536 miles.

The most fuel efficient car is the hybrid car by Toyota, the Prius. It is one of, if not the most, popular car produced by the automaker. In fact, Toyota builds multiple versions of the Prius to satisfy the different demands and needs of the prospective consumer. These versions include the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, Prius C, and the Prius V.

2. Ford C-Max Hybrid & Ford Fusion Hybrid are tied at 2nd.

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid: 47 City / 47 Hwy (47 Combined).

Hybrid vehicle. Base price: $25,200. Engine: 2.0L, 4 cylinders, 188 horsepower. Total Range EPA: 571 miles.

More specifically, the C-Max engine was based on the Fusion, so it is no surprise that they perform similarly as well. If you need a wagon, look for the Ford C-Max, the tall wagon version of the Fusion. Alternatively, if you are willing to shell out for an EV/Hybrid vehicle, look for the 2013 Ford C-Max Energi Plug-in Hybrid.

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid: 47 City / 47 Hwy (47 Combined).

Hybrid vehicle. Base price: $25,200. Engine: 2.0L, 4 cylinders, 188 horsepower. Total Range EPA: 571 miles.

If you are looking for a roomy & stylish mid-sized sedan with great performance, fuel economy, and excellent safety ratings, look to the Ford Fusion Hybrid. If instead you are interested in a powered up EV/Hybrid vehicle, look for the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid.

3. 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid: 47 City / 46 Hwy (46 Combined) (115 mpge EV mode).

EV/Hybrid vehicle. Base price: $39,780. Engine: 2.0L, 4 cylinders, 196 horsepower. Total Range EPA: 570 miles. Electric Range: 13 miles.

Brand new for 2014 is the Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid. Honda selects its flagship sedan for its newest hybrid/EV technologies. This trim comes standard with all of the Accord's most advanced factory upgrades. If you are looking for a mid-sized sedan with the best IIHS safety ratings good reliability, decent fun, hybrid technology, EV technology, this car is it.

4. Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid & Lincoln MKZ Hybrid are tied for 4th.

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid: 42 City / 48 Hwy (45 Combined).

Hybrid vehicle. Base price: $24,995. Engine: 1.4L, 4 cylinders, 170 horsepower. Total Range EPA: 482 miles.

Those who dislike the Toyota Prius for its lack of juice will be interested in the more powerful Volkswagen Jetta.

2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid: 45 City / 45 Hwy (45 Combined).

Hybrid vehicle. Base price: $35,925. Engine: 2.0L, 4 cylinders, 188 horsepower. Total Range EPA: 567 miles.

If instead you are looking for relaxed luxury with modern features and refined style, look to the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.

5. 2013 Honda Civic Hybrid: 44 City / 44 Hwy (44 Combined).

Hybrid vehicle. Base price: $24,360. Engine: 1.5L, 4 cylinders, 110 horsepower. Total Range EPA: 523 miles.

The Civic Hybrid is your basic hybrid vehicle. For the price, its specs are outclassed by the Toyota Prius in every way.

6. 2013 Honda Insight & 2013 Lexus CT 200h are tied for 6th.

2013 Honda Insight: 41 City / 44 Hwy (42 Combined).

Hybrid vehicle. Base price: $18,600. Engine: 1.3L, 4 cylinders, 98 horsepower. Total Range EPA: 401 miles.

For an economical & practical hatchback hybrid, go for the Honda Insight. The Insight is Honda's 4-door hatchback hybrid. Good value, practical, and easy to drive.

2013 Lexus CT 200h: 43 City / 40 Hwy (42 Combined).

Hybrid vehicle. Base price: $32,050. Engine: 1.8L, 4 cylinders, 134 horsepower. Total Range EPA: 450 miles.

For a luxurious, upscale hybrid hatchback, look for the Lexus CT 200h. The Lexus CT 200h is reliable and has great fuel economy for its class. Acceleration can be slow due to the 134 horsepower, however, this car was built prioritizing fuel economy.

7. 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid: 43 City / 39 Hwy (41 Combined).

Hybrid vehicle. Base price: $26,140. Engine: 2.0L, 4 cylinders, 200 horsepower. Total Range EPA: 627 miles.

The Toyota Camry Hybrid is a complete mid-size hybrid sedan. With a roomy cabin and high-performing hybrid experience, this car is great for its price. The interior is well-made and comfortable with lots of high-tech features.

8. Lexus ES 300h & Toyota Avalon Hybrid are tied for 8th.

2013 Lexus ES 300h: 40 City / 39 Hwy (40 Combined).

Hybrid vehicle. Base price: $39,250. Engine: 2.0L, 4 cylinders, 200 horsepower. Total Range EPA: 626 miles.

For a reliable, comfortable luxury hybrid with good fuel economy, look no further than the Lexus ES 300h.

2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid: 40 City / 39 Hwy (40 Combined).

Hybrid vehicle. Base price: $35,555. Engine: 2.0L, 4 cylinders, 200 horsepower. Total Range EPA: 612 miles.

Equally well-made is the Toyota Avalon Hybrid, which is also roomy and comfortable. The Avalon Hybrid is smooth to drive, though not particularly fun.

9. 2014 Acura ILX Hybrid / 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid / 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid are all tied for 9th.

2014 Acura ILX Hybrid: 39 City / 38 Hwy (38 Combined).

Hybrid vehicle. Base price: $28,900. Engine: 1.5L, 4 cylinders, 111 horsepower. Total Range EPA: 451 miles.

For a compact luxury sedan with style, look to the Acura ILX Hybrid.

2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: 36 City / 40 Hwy / 38 Combined.

Hybrid vehicle. Base price: $25,650. Engine: 2.4L, 4 cylinders, 199 horsepower. Total Range EPA: 588 miles.

For a good quality sedan with lots of standard features and a high quality interior, there is the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

2013 Kia Optima Hybrid: 36 City / 40 Hwy (38 Combined).

Hybrid vehicle. Base price: $25,900. Engine: 2.4L, 4 cylinders, 196 horsepower. Total Range EPA: 588 miles.

For a good sedan with urban standard features such as heated steering wheel, heated rear seat, and cooled front seats, look for the Kia Optima Hybrid.

10. 2013 Chevrolet Volt / 2013 Honda CR-Z / 2014 Scion iQ:
At 10th place are cars that are much more unique than the vehicles that rank higher than them in MPG. If this list was based on style or uniqueness I might have rated these cars higher.

2013 Chevrolet Volt: 35 City / 40 Hwy (37 Combined) (98 mpge EV mode).

EV/Hybrid vehicle. Base price: $39,145. Engine: 1.4L, 4 cylinders, 149 horsepower. Total Range EPA: 380 miles. Electric Range: 38 miles

You have the upscale mid-sized hybrid sedan with high-quality features and high tech: the Chevrolet Volt. The car handles better than other hybrids and has well-engineered regenerative brakes. Where most other hybrids are criticized for their catchy regenerative brakes, the Volt does not share the problem. Also note that the Volt is the only car on this list that runs on Premium-grade gasoline.

2013 Honda CR-Z: 36 City / 39 Hwy (37 Combined).

Hybrid vehicle. Base price: $19,975. Engine: 1.5L, 4 cylinders, 130 horsepower. Total Range EPA: 353 miles.

There is the sporty hybrid, the 2013 Honda CR-Z, redesigned from the previous years. The CR-Z is a two-seater and is the only hybrid to equip a manual transmission (CVT also available).

2014 Scion iQ: 36 City / 37 Hwy (37 Combined).

Gasoline vehicle. Base price: $15,495. Engine: 1.3L, 4 cylinders, 94 horsepower. Total Range EPA: 283 miles.

Finally, we have the 2014 Scion iQ, a minimalist metropolitan small car. The iQ is the only non-hybrid car on this list, and for that it is a very affordable fuel efficient car.