Automotive efficiency and emissions research impacts Latin American drivers

Research and new consumer tools are highlighting the impact of fuel types, vehicle efficiency, and environmental conditions on automotive costs and emissions in Latin America.

A comparative study conducted by the Universidad Politécnica Salesiana analyzed pollutant emissions from a 2.4 L gasoline-powered N1 vehicle using 87-octane Ecopaís and 92-octane Super gasoline. The study found that altitude significantly influenced emissions in Ecuador; in Cuenca, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide concentrations decreased, while unburned hydrocarbons increased compared to Santa Elena.

In Mexico, the organization El Poder del Consumidor has launched an updated version of its platform, ‘Qué tan rendidor es tu auto’, to help consumers compare fuel performance and emissions for models from 2022 to 2025. The tool aims to illustrate the long-term financial impact of fuel consumption, noting that differences in fuel economy can result in significant annual cost variations for drivers.