World fuel economy leaders

For the first time in more than three decades, the United States in December enacted federal legislation to increase the country's fuel efficiency standards for vehicles. They are slated to reach 35 miles per gallon by 2020. Which of these major economies will the United States outperform with its new fuel efficiency standard?

A. European Union

B. Japan

C. China

D. None



D. None of the above is correct. The goal set by the United States will fail to reach the levels already surpassed by Japan and the European Union. And within the next year, the average fuel economy of China's passenger vehicles will surpass the US goal for 2020.

The top-selling car in the United States, the Toyota Camry, gets 25 miles per gallon. Cars on US roads that already reach the 2020 standard include the Nissan Altima Hybrid (at 42 miles per gallon in the city) and the Honda Civic Hybrid (at 49 miles per gallon).

The European Union leads the way toward higher fuel efficiency standards, with a goal of 48.9 miles per gallon for new passenger vehicles as early as 2012. The EU's current standard is about 40 miles per gallon, the same as Japan's.

The Globalist Quiz is produced by The Globalist, a Washington-based research organization that promotes awareness of world affairs. © 2008 The Globalist, theglobalist.com.