You probably won\u2019t find it surprising that the automotive industry is one of the largest contributors to CO2\u00a0emissions worldwide. Looking at some numbers, CO2\u00a0emissions from road transport were responsible for 17% of global CO2\u00a0emissions during 2012 (1). Today, there are 1.2 Billion vehicles operating on the roads worldwide, with estimation of additional sales of 2 billion vehicles by 2035 (2). While CO2 emissions originated in cars from developed countries is expected to decrease, about 70% of car sales growth is related to developing countries, where CO2 emissions originated in fuel are not well monitored (3).<\/p>\n
Worldwide regulations promoting fuel efficiency and GHG (greenhouse gas) standards are accelerating during the last decade; Mandatory CO2 standards were first introduced by the EU and the US Government in 2009 and 2010 respectively (4), (5).
\nMonitored by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the greenhouse gas standard requires vehicles to meet a target of 36% decrease in CO2\u00a0emissions per mile by 2025 (6). In addition, some governments are taking diverse approaches to incentivize emission reductions through fees, taxes, privileges for low-emitting vehicles and penalties for high-emitting vehicles.<\/p>\n
Automobile manufacturers are required to find different solutions addressing regulations. Some solutions involve changes in market behavior or production infrastructure and others involve changes in the car industry\u2019s core technology, the combustion engines (the traditional gasoline and diesel engines). Inevitably, manufacturers have to highly invest in innovative projects which include R&D, new production processes and market education.<\/p>\n
Ford Motor Company, the second largest automobile manufacturer in the US (15% market share as for 2015 (7)), developed a strategy focused on reducing GHG in their operations as well as their vehicles. In order to reduce CO2 emissions in their vehicles, Ford activities are based on the following theory: GHG emissions = Vehicle + Fuel + Driver<\/strong> (8).<\/p>\n Vehicle:<\/em> most of Ford\u2019s emphasis is on improving traditional gasoline and diesel powered vehicles by developing different engine technologies as well as electrical and aerodynamic improvements and weight reductions. <\/p>\n Additional steps Ford can take in order to further develop their strategy: <\/strong><\/p>\n
\nFuel: <\/em>Ford is developing vehicles that can use new types of fuels with lower fossil carbon content (the ingredient contributing to CO2 emissions) such as biofuels. However, in order for this effort to be useful, a widespread use of these fuels is required.
\nDriver: <\/em>promote \u201ceco-driving\u201d among drivers around the world by providing training, vehicle technology and apps that helps drivers track and improve their fuel efficiency.<\/p>\n\n