FORD KNOWS TRUCKS

FORD KNOWS TRUCKS

July 11, 2019

ASG released its truck findings today from the 2019 Automotive Performance Index (API) study, with the All-New Ford Ranger and Ford F-150 topping the index in both the mid and full-size truck segments. Ford's focus on trucks is paying dividends.

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REASONS FOR OPTIMISM IN THE EVOLVING AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR

REASONS FOR OPTIMISM IN THE EVOLVING AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR

June 05, 2019

ASG’S annual study found 37 electrified models - 15 full battery electric vehicles and 22 plug-in hybrid vehicles - up from just 8 production models in 2018. 2019 marks a momentous turning point where the most advanced powertrains are not only available to mainstream buyers, but according to ASG’s comparative analysis, some of these models also bridge exceptional environmental performance with industry leading economic performance and best all-around life-cycle value.

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TOYOTA PRIUS COMES OF AGE - NOW IN ITS PRIME

TOYOTA PRIUS COMES OF AGE - NOW IN ITS PRIME

May 31, 2018

ASG released findings today from its annual Automotive Performance Index (API) study, with the Toyota Prius Prime topping the index, and earning ASG’s Best All-Around Performance title. In the 18th year since the Prius was introduced to the North American market – the Prius has finally come of age.

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THE ALL-NEW 2018 SUV COMES IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES

THE ALL-NEW 2018 SUV COMES IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES

May 03, 2018

ASG’S annual Study, which assessed 823 (with trim variants) model year 2018 crossovers, SUVs and Minivans in North America, found 8 models with plug-in electric capabilities and a dizzying array of vehicle sizes and styles, from hatchbacks that have grown into mini-compact crossovers to coupe style SUVs to the capacious people movers of yesteryear.

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WILL THE REAL GREEN CAR PLEASE STANDOUT?

WILL THE REAL GREEN CAR PLEASE STANDOUT?

April 20, 2017

As our global community assembles to celebrate Earth Day and the March for Science later this week, we pause to reflect on our own choices that will surely affect generations that follow. And with our transportation desires now accounting for the largest share of total annual U.S. CO2 emissions...

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FUEL EFFICIENT CARS ARE HERE TO STAY, DESPITE EPA MEDDLING

FUEL EFFICIENT CARS ARE HERE TO STAY, DESPITE EPA MEDDLING

March 09, 2017

In anticipation of a Trump EPA proposal that could roll-back fuel economy standards, the Automotive Science Group (ASG) released its 2017 Automotive Performance Index (API) Study findings today, revealing some irony in the new EPA deliberation. A Trump roll-back may be little too late. 

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FINALLY, REAL GREEN CAR OPTIONS IN 2016

FINALLY, REAL GREEN CAR OPTIONS IN 2016

April 21, 2016

As global leaders convene to sign the landmark UN Climate Accord on Friday, we pause to reflect on our own choices that will surely affect generations that follow. But with so many choices in the auto marketplace, and a Dieselgate shadow that weighs heavy...

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DIESELGATE CASTS SHADOW ON NEW DIESEL TRUCKS

March 09, 2016

According to a study released today by the Automotive Science Group (ASG), there are instances where the combustion efficiency gains from advanced diesel technologies can provide net benefits in reducing CO2-equivalent emissions, but...

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Advanced Technologies Compete with Cheap Gas

February 17, 2016

ASG released its 2016 Automotive Performance Index study findings today, highlighting the stark contrast in performance merits that differentiate conventional and alternatively powered cars and SUVs in 2016. According to the study...

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DATA-DRIVEN STUDY FINDS BEST TRUCK OF 2015

January 12, 2015

With a myriad of eco-branded trucks available in 2015 – from Ford’s EcoBoost and GM’s EcoTec to RAM’s EcoDiesel – the Automotive Science Group (ASG) offers its fourth annual life-cycle study to determine which 2015 truck actually delivers on the “eco” promise...

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ASG PROVIDES MISSING LINK FOR CAR BUYERS

December 29, 2014

On the heels of the United Nations Climate Change Summit in Lima, Peru this month, the Automotive Science Group (ASG) released its 2015 Automotive Performance Index findings today...

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REDEFINING VALUE IN THE AUTOMOTIVE MARKETPLACE

May 06, 2014

Following The White House release of the National Climate Assessment yesterday, ASG’s study is a timely example of “actionable science”, one that helps consumers make informed car purchasing decisions that are ecologically sustainable, socially equitable and economically viable...

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RELATIVE RATING METHOD

The Automotive Performance Index (API) applies statistical methods to demonstrate each vehicle rating in relative comparison. For example, the vehicle that performs highest in environment performance in a given class obtains a rating score of 100. Each vehicle in its class is then compared relative to the top-performing vehicle with a rating score reflecting the statistical difference in performance outcomes. A score of 91 translates to a 9% environmental performance deficit as compared to the top-performing vehicle.  

Due to the API’s relative vehicle rating method, vehicle class divisions were identified as a critical input - these class divisions are detailed here.

While the Automotive Performance Index is indeed an exhaustive list of vehicles to trim level detail, with each vehicle assessment reporting over 200 unique data outputs (the culmination of thousands of data inputs), ASG has taken additional measures to ease the burden of sorting through all data points and all vehicle assessments. We have developed key performance categories and sorted all vehicles in each class according to Environmental Performance, Social Performance, Economic Performance and All-Around Performance. The vehicle in each class with the best score in each unique category is named the performance award winner (i.e. Best Environmental Performance Award winner). The vehicle in each class that scores highest combined scores in Environmental Performance, Social Performance and Economic Performance is named the ASG Best All-Around Performance Award winner.

One step further, we also name the Best 5 All-Around Performance Award winners in each class to provide consumers with a concise product comparison guide.