The Car Industries Response Towards Climate Change Issues

Climate change is currently a very important issue. A large number of scientists and industry experts are of the opinion that, if the damage that humanity is causing to the earth’s environment goes on unchecked, there will be a drastic shift in the climate towards a more inhospitable environment. (see appendix 1 for more information) This report aims to analyse the responses of some companies in the automobile market to the environmental problems faced by the industry and to determine if they are making enough of an effort to combat the damage they, and their products, are causing to the environment.

This report will be looking at Toyota, Mercedes Benz, BMW and Ford and using the pyramid of social responsibility model and the stakeholder theory to determine these organisations positions on environmental issues. How Organisations respond to Climate Change Issues. Countries, individuals and organisations are responsible for emissions. Recently, governments have come up with a ‘carbon footprint’ scheme to encourage individuals to cut their carbon emissions. The Kyoto Protocol was created in 1997, but went into force in Febuary 2005 with the aim of dropping CO2 emissions by 5. 2% of the 1990 levels by 2012. (Source: http://news. bbc. co.

uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4269921. stm) Some countries are more worried about reaching these targets than others, and some companies seem to be more concerned with decreasing carbon emissions that others. In the car industry, companies such as Toyota are keen to be seen to be making an effort towards reducing the carbon emissions of their vehicles by introducing hybrid technology and more efficient engines into their vehicles, while other companies such as Lamborghini and Ferrari are developing cars with bigger more powerful engines averaging 15 mpg or less with enormous carbon emissions. Toyota is happy to be seen as the green car manufacturer.

The Toyota Prius has the best economy figures for any motor car, emitting just 104g/km of CO2 and a combined mileage of 65. 7 mpg. (source: http://www. greencarsite. co. uk/GREENCARS/Toyota-Prius-Hybrid. htm) The most efficient 5 seated family car produced by Mercedes, the C180 blueEFFICIENCY model, only manages a combined 44. 8 mpg which is nowhere near the performance of the Toyota, and its emission comply with the EU4 Emissions Standard. ( source: http://www2. mercedes-benz. co. uk/content/unitedkingdom/mpc/mpc_unitedkingdom_website/en/home_mpc/passengercars/home/new_cars/models/c-class/w204/technical_data.

html) Mercedes are also currently producing the SL65 AMG, a 5 seat family car that has been limited to a top speed of 155 and averages 19. 1 mpg. This car also complies with the EU4 Emissions Standard, but with an engine capable of producing so much power and a price of nearly i?? 60,000 it is likely that buyers of this vehicle will be interested in ‘putting their foot down’ and so decreasing the mpg figures and carbon emissions. This is an example of Mercedes Benz disregarding current economical thinking and just wanting to make a profit at the expense of the climate.

Mercedes Benz however have developed the Smartcar, a small two person vehicle capable of 65. 7mpg and emitting 103g/km of CO2. This vehicle utilise a ‘micro hybrid drive’ engine to minimise emissions by turning itself off while idle and back on again when it is needed. (source: http://www. smart. com ) The pyramid of social responsibility model (see appendix 2) shows how business decisions are made. It shows how businesses make decisions based primarily on economical factors and least on philanthropic factors.

In this model, Toyota are seen to be acting from the philanthropic level, however Mercedes Benz are more complex. Their family sized cars are not going above and beyond what is required by law, but the Smartcar is being produced to be economical and as green as possible. As a result Mercedes can be deemed to be motivated by both legal factors, in the case of their family models, and by ethical factors in the production of the Smartcar since it is much more economical. This contradiction in how they operate their businesses perhaps can be understood when looking at the brand images of Mercedes.

The image of a Mercedes is a fast, powerful, expensive car and this is a hard image to convey while going green so the brand image has backed Mercedes Benz into a corner. The Smartcar, while produced by Mercedes Benz is not sold under the Mercedes Brand and so is not expected to be fast or powerful, which allows them to create the slower, smaller more environmentally friendly cars now associated with the Smart brand. BMW current 3 series, their 5 seat family model has energy usage figures of 47. 9 mpg and emits 142 g/km of CO2 for the 1. 8 litre petrol engine and 46. 3 mpg and CO2 emissions of 146 g/km for the 2 litre petrol engine.

Calculate the price
Make an order in advance and get the best price
Pages (550 words)
$0.00
*Price with a welcome 15% discount applied.
Pro tip: If you want to save more money and pay the lowest price, you need to set a more extended deadline.
We know how difficult it is to be a student these days. That's why our prices are one of the most affordable on the market, and there are no hidden fees.

Instead, we offer bonuses, discounts, and free services to make your experience outstanding.
How it works
Receive a 100% original paper that will pass Turnitin from a top essay writing service
step 1
Upload your instructions
Fill out the order form and provide paper details. You can even attach screenshots or add additional instructions later. If something is not clear or missing, the writer will contact you for clarification.
Pro service tips
How to get the most out of your experience with MyhomeworkGeeks
One writer throughout the entire course
If you like the writer, you can hire them again. Just copy & paste their ID on the order form ("Preferred Writer's ID" field). This way, your vocabulary will be uniform, and the writer will be aware of your needs.
The same paper from different writers
You can order essay or any other work from two different writers to choose the best one or give another version to a friend. This can be done through the add-on "Same paper from another writer."
Copy of sources used by the writer
Our college essay writers work with ScienceDirect and other databases. They can send you articles or materials used in PDF or through screenshots. Just tick the "Copy of sources" field on the order form.
Testimonials
See why 20k+ students have chosen us as their sole writing assistance provider
Check out the latest reviews and opinions submitted by real customers worldwide and make an informed decision.
Marketing
Thank you for correcting the work and using the template provided
Customer 452773, October 10th, 2024
Business and administrative studies
looks good thank you
Customer 452773, March 3rd, 2023
Business and administrative studies
Thank you for your hard work
Customer 452773, October 19th, 2023
Business and administrative studies
excellent job!
Customer 452773, May 25th, 2023
Business and administrative studies
Excellent job
Customer 452773, March 9th, 2023
business
Thank you for your hard work and help.
Customer 452773, February 13th, 2023
Psychology
Thank you!
Customer 452545, February 6th, 2021
Criminal Justice
This has been the greatest help while I am recovering from an illness. Thank your team so much.
Customer 452671, May 2nd, 2021
Nursing
thank you so much
Customer 452749, June 10th, 2021
ACC/543: Managerial Accounting & Legal Aspects Of Business
EXCELLENT JOB
Customer 452773, January 10th, 2024
Management
Love this writer!!! Great work
Customer 452597, April 5th, 2021
FIN571
excellent
Customer 452773, March 15th, 2024
11,595
Customer reviews in total
96%
Current satisfaction rate
3 pages
Average paper length
37%
Customers referred by a friend
OUR GIFT TO YOU
15% OFF your first order
Use a coupon FIRST15 and enjoy expert help with any task at the most affordable price.
Claim my 15% OFF Order in Chat
Close

Sometimes it is hard to do all the work on your own

Let us help you get a good grade on your paper. Get professional help and free up your time for more important courses. Let us handle your;

  • Dissertations and Thesis
  • Essays
  • All Assignments

  • Research papers
  • Terms Papers
  • Online Classes