Environmental Issues in the Automotive Industry The automotive industry is in full recovery mode after the recession in 2008 and 2009, and vehicle production numbers were set to exceed 20 million by 2015. (Subran, 2014).Further, the automotive industry continues to grow, at a rate of approximately 4% per year. (Subran, 2014). The enormity of the industry means that the fallout from both the industrial production process and the end result should be closely monitored. Clearly, such industrialized and mechanical products as vehicles could have a significant impact on the environment, both during and after production. This essay seeks to examine the impact of the automotive industry on the environment, as well as indicating which countries are
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Technological advances mean safer, more capable and convenient vehicles. It also means faster and cheaper production of vehicles in general. Some of the major technological advances that are coming to fruition in 2016 include self-drive cars and autonomous features, smart dashboards, gesture control, and black box car tracking. (Vernon, 2016). Though self-drive cars are not quite a reality yet, several companies are working to produce the technology that would enable the concept. At the moment, some cars are now equipped with autonomous features, which include self-parking, advanced cruise control, and collision prevention. (Vernon, 2016). Smart dashboards and gesture controls enable advanced, hands-free options for drivers who need to answer phone calls, receive and send text messages, look up a map, navigate by GPS, or even control the music volume in the vehicle. (Vernon, 2016). There is some criticism about cars becoming too automated or accessible for media, as it provides a potential distraction for drivers, but those in support emphasis that this technology is meant to keep media hands-free while driving. Black box car tracking has been around for some time, but is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Similar to airplane black boxes, black box car tracking enables manufacturers to monitor cars for defects or possibly hazardous situations, as well as giving …show more content…
(Clark, 2014). This may be partly due to growing concern over CO2 emissions, but it is more likely directly related to economic pressure, recession, and the internet. Overall, it appears that consumer opinion is positive toward the vehicle industry, but usage depends upon external factors. Another factor that may contribute to a positive consumer opinion of the automotive industry is the fact that is a significant employer in the United States. Over 4.1 million jobs in the United States are directly tied to the automotive industry. (Automotive Industry: Employment, Earnings, and Hours, 2016). Though employment has decreased 20% over the past five years, the automotive industry is still a major and active employer in the United States, and will be for the foreseeable future. Bottom line: consumer opinions appear to be high for the automotive
Technological advances mean safer, more capable and convenient vehicles. It also means faster and cheaper production of vehicles in general. Some of the major technological advances that are coming to fruition in 2016 include self-drive cars and autonomous features, smart dashboards, gesture control, and black box car tracking. (Vernon, 2016). Though self-drive cars are not quite a reality yet, several companies are working to produce the technology that would enable the concept. At the moment, some cars are now equipped with autonomous features, which include self-parking, advanced cruise control, and collision prevention. (Vernon, 2016). Smart dashboards and gesture controls enable advanced, hands-free options for drivers who need to answer phone calls, receive and send text messages, look up a map, navigate by GPS, or even control the music volume in the vehicle. (Vernon, 2016). There is some criticism about cars becoming too automated or accessible for media, as it provides a potential distraction for drivers, but those in support emphasis that this technology is meant to keep media hands-free while driving. Black box car tracking has been around for some time, but is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Similar to airplane black boxes, black box car tracking enables manufacturers to monitor cars for defects or possibly hazardous situations, as well as giving …show more content…
(Clark, 2014). This may be partly due to growing concern over CO2 emissions, but it is more likely directly related to economic pressure, recession, and the internet. Overall, it appears that consumer opinion is positive toward the vehicle industry, but usage depends upon external factors. Another factor that may contribute to a positive consumer opinion of the automotive industry is the fact that is a significant employer in the United States. Over 4.1 million jobs in the United States are directly tied to the automotive industry. (Automotive Industry: Employment, Earnings, and Hours, 2016). Though employment has decreased 20% over the past five years, the automotive industry is still a major and active employer in the United States, and will be for the foreseeable future. Bottom line: consumer opinions appear to be high for the automotive