Greenhouse Gas and Fuel Economy Policy, Research Paper Example

In light of increasingly strict changes implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency with regards to its light sized vehicle emission policies, Ford is currently concerned that its models produced in years 2022 to 2025 will be challenging for consumers to afford due to the implementation of technologies that this product will require.  In particular, the organization is worried that not only will their cars become more costly, stringent EPA requirements will also make gasoline more costly. It is therefore important for the organization determine how it will engage in manufacturing processes to reduce the prices of its vehicles or to develop vehicles that do not rely on fossil fuel power. Specifically, the government has issued legislation stating that that the light duty fleet average must be 45 mpg by 2021. Thus, its options include the production of hybrids, electric and fuel-efficient vehicles

In addition to the decision that Ford must make with regards to its manufacturing choices for future models, it is also important to consider how the company wishes to market itself in light of EPA compliance. If the organization decides to go above and beyond making its vehicles more sustainable, it will be able to market itself as a company that is environmentally conscious. Thus, in spite of increasing fuel prices and car prices, this might be an ideal strategy to help the organization compensate for sales. While the understood function of car companies are to make sales, it is possible for Ford to rebrand itself in a manner that shows that its purpose is to ensure environmental sustainability in order to promote itself more effectively. An environmental initiative would be powerful for Ford due to the multitude of competition that the organization is required to handle. Other car companies are being subject to identical standards as Ford, so it is beneficial for the organization to find a way to distinguish itself from others. To do so, it is important for the company to examine what other car companies are already doing to become more environmentally friendly and to meet legislative requirements. In this manner, Ford will be able to determine whether it should simply meet environmental requirements or work to further optimize its vehicles. Many cars that offer hybrid or fully electric options are becoming popular, so it may be valuable for Ford to refine the current models of this car that it has available. This would also resolve the issue of increasing gas prices that organization heads believe will contribute to decreased profits.

It is important to consider that the world currently has the technology available to create effective fuel efficient and electric cars. However, it is challenging to alter manufacturing procedures that will allow for such an alteration to take place easily. Thus, it is necessary for Ford to reorganize its infrastructure in a manner that will allow it to build fuel efficient cars in a more effective manner. To do so, it is important for the organization to implement processes of lean manufacturing so it can determine where it can cut costs to allow for this reorganization, which may require hiring new team members who have a more concise understanding of this technology. Overall, it is expected that once Ford puts this new infrastructure in place and enhances its personal practices with regards to manufacturing, it will be better able to support EPA requirements for several decades.

According to the current EPA regulations put forth, Ford has approximately 7 years to put these fuel saving alterations in place. Therefore, it is beneficial for the organization to create a plan to ensure that this will be possible in 3.5 years to have the new infrastructure contribute to profitability immediately. In this manner, the organization will be making more profit for the investment that it needs to meet EPA regulations. This is beneficial for the company and its image because not only will it be able to produce more cars that meet EPA standards, they will be able to achieve this goal ahead of the requirement, showing that they understand the value of a sustainable environment and respect the regulations imposed by the EPA.

One way that the organization could easily produce more fuel-efficient cars is by altering the size of vehicles offered. Currently, it is known that using large vehicles are responsible for diminishing the supply of gas quickly. Therefore, less fuel will be used if smaller cars are produced. Ford has already attempted this initiative by releasing models such as the 2015 Ford Fiesta. However, changes can be made to other models to make them slightly smaller without compromising storage space or passenger seating. Not only will making cars smaller contribute to individual fuel efficiency, it will decrease congestion on roads, thus minimizing standing traffic. In this manner, the smaller car policy will help promote environmental sustainability as well. An additional advantage of having smaller cars is the idea that a smaller size would even be advantageous for primarily electric vehicles. If a car is smaller, it will require less time to achieve a full charge and be able to store a charge for a longer period of time. Thus, consumers will be able to be certain that their electric cars will be more reliable, which will convince more consumers to purchase them.

Last, it is important to consider the accessories it would be beneficial for Ford to offer consumers who are purchasing more environmentally friendly vehicles. In particular, many individuals that purchase electronic cars are concerned about how they will charge them. To resolve this problem, homeowners with driveways or garages can be provided with a special extension cables that will help them reach plugs within their garage or home. In addition, it would be valuable for Ford to offer charging stations to be available in parking garages or lots in urban areas so even these individuals would feel comfortable purchasing an electric car. Meanwhile, developing a mobile charger, such as one that someone could charge at home before bringing to the car, would be a reasonable solution to help people charge cars independent of their living situation.

Overall, there are many strategies that Ford can put in place to ensure that they are meeting environmental regulations established by the government. It will become necessary for the organization to determine how to implement new technologies over the next several years to be able to reach its goal by 2022. During this process, it is essential for the company to find a way to maximize profit, while helping the EPA reach its nationwide environmental goals. It is important for the company to begin this initiative immediately to ensure that both goals can be simultaneously realized.