At least in the United States, under the watchful eyes of unions, environmentalists, and the EPA, autoworkers and their communities are exposed to fewer toxic chemicals from auto plants than were their parents and grandparents. All of these improvements are due to better design. Engines are more efficient, with better components, electronic controls, and fuel injection instead of carburetors. Chassis and body parts are stronger and lighter, providing smoother, quieter rides, better handling, and improved crashworthiness. Radial tires grip and handle better while cutting down rolling resistance.
Streamlined bodies save gas and help cut pollution at highway speeds while reducing wind noise.
Many of the cars and trucks that score well in environmental ratings do so because automotive engineers are doing a better job in one or more of these aspects of good design. Of course, cars and trucks still have a long way to go in terms of true environmental friendliness, especially when it comes to fuel consumption and global warming. Although this year's new vehicles burn less fuel and create less pollution per mile than new vehicles of years gone by, the amount of driving continues to grow. Just as consumers expect ever more comfort, performance, and reliability, it's reasonable to expect new cars and trucks to do an ever better job on environmental quality. Automakers are now researching technologies that point the way to greener designs tomorrow .