Ahead of COP28, a new report, the secret of which is only available to Greenpeace, highlights “bad consequences” mass sales of thermal SUVs by such giants of the automotive industry as Hyundai-Kia, Volkswagen and Toyota.
Why these three groups, knowing that they are far from the bottom of the class in terms of electrification? It seems that these manufacturers are already engaged in the production of electric cars “completely nullify the climate benefits of their environmental efforts”reports GO.
The explosion of SUV sales in recent years
The organization’s report highlights a significant increase in the share of SUVs in the total sales of major global manufacturers between 2013 and 2022. The number of these SUVs, as impressive as they pollute the environment, has fallen from 50 million copies in 2010 330 million in 2022thus exceeding the total number of vehicles registered in the European Union.
In 2021, this fleet of SUVs emitted more than 900 million tons of CO2 on the roads, actually putting this fleet in sixth place among the most polluting countries in the world. CO emissions2 of SUVs from Hyundai-Kia, Volkswagen and Toyota reached 298 million tons in 2022, while the emissions avoided by these manufacturers’ electric vehicles amounted to only 9 million tons.
Electric SUVs are also in the viewfinder
Although the study does not take into account emissions over the entire life cycle of vehicles, Greenpeace emphasizes that on-road emissions represent “70-80%” from the total amount. Electric vehicles also generate fewer emissions than their thermal counterparts over their entire life cycle.
According to Greenpeace, “Hyundai, Volkswagen and other manufacturers must reduce the size of their SUV fleets as electrification progresses their park »
In response to these accusations, Hyundai-Kia says it is committed to green mobility, emphasizing the development of 100% electric vehicles. They are also highlighting the expansion of their range of electric SUVs.
However, Greenpeace is also speaking out concerns about the rise of electric SUVspointing out that their carbon footprint is higher due to the need for more materials, particularly steel, to make them.
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Source: Auto Plus
Robert is an experienced journalist who has been covering the automobile industry for over a decade. He has a deep understanding of the latest technologies and trends in the industry and is known for his thorough and in-depth reporting.