Ford Dealerships in Cleveland Will Benefit with Reduced Carbon Emissions Survey

Rob Gillignham
July 2, 2010

The Ford Motor Company is keeping its promise to cut greenhouse gases by 30 percent with an initial supplier survey. Although Ford is making its own efforts to reduce carbon emissions by 2020, surveying its suppliers of seats, tires, metal components and steering systems will add to the collaborative efforts on both sides.

According to a Nation Master survey from 2003, the United States is the largest producer of harmful carbon emissions measuring nearly 6 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide. Carbon is one of the several gases that is harmful to the Earth's global warming, and Ford is promising to do its part in reducing its carbon footprint.

Beginning with the 2006 Ford model year, cars will be supplied with components and parts that will make Ford vehicles produce less carbon dioxide. All Ford dealerships including those in Cleveland, will sell vehicles that will have an impact on the environment with reduced carbon emissions.

Some of Ford's largest suppliers such as TRW Automotive Holdings, Johnson Controls, and others are included in Ford's survey to collaborate on a carbon reduction plan. These companies represent nearly one-third of the $65 billion auto parts that Ford buys every year.

Not only will Ford help reduce carbon emissions from its vehicles, but consumers will also have the added value of knowing the car they own will help reduce greenhouse gases that are emitted primarily from vehicle exhausts in the United States and wherever Ford vehicles are sold.

"Understanding the carbon footprint of our supply chain is a crucial part of our comprehensive global strategy to reduce greenhouse gases," Sue Cischke, Ford's group vice president of sustainability, said in a statement.

Reduced carbon usage will also decrease the weight of all vehicles by using lighter engine parts; furthermore, cars will likely receive better gas mileage with fuel efficient engines and transmissions. That's a double bonus for Ford buyers, and the environment.

Bill Ford, the great-grandson of Henry Ford and Executive Chairman, embraces environmental initiatives. He and Ford were the first United States auto manufacturer to introduce the gasoline-electric hybrid with the Ford Escape in 2004. Ford also supports environmental change within their factories across the country, including the Rouge factory in Dearborn, Michigan.

How does one calculate carbon dioxide based on fuel consumption. The EPA does give a rather long scientific explanation on its website; however, here's what consumers need to know:

1. The EPA estimates that one gallon of unleaded gasoline produces about 19.4 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2).

2. There are two ways to determine a vehicle's average fuel economy: using the EPA's computer model - MOBILE6.2, which gives most passenger cars 23.9 mpg and 17.4 mpg for light duty trucks, or using the calculations from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), which estimates most passenger cars will get 22.1 mpg and light trucks an average of 17.6 mpg. (These calculations are based on 2003 and 2001 reports, respectively.) 3. The average miles driven per year: 12,000 miles for most passenger cars and up to 15,000 miles per year for light duty trucks. For the greenhouse gas calculation 12,000 miles is used.

4. Other gases are produced by cars including nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) from the exhaust, and leaking air conditioners (HFC), which altogether account for about 5 percent of greenhouse gases (GHG).

5. Passenger cars constitute about 63.4 percent of vehicles emitting GHG and light duty trucks contribute about 36.6 percent. Although in recent years, the amount of trucks has steadily increased.

6. Calculating the CO2 (using EPA's MOBILE6.2):

Average passenger vehicle = 11,463.92 pounds CO2e (3,130.53 pounds CE)

Using DOT fuel economy:

Passenger Cars = 10,538 pounds CO2e (2,866 pounds CE) Light Trucks = 13,227 pounds CO2e (3,615.5 pounds CE)

And if these calculations still confuse you, there is an easy to use calculator at CarbonFootprint.com to determine how much carbon your vehicle is emitting.

Ford's suppliers have been very receptive to the survey, which is completely voluntary; some suppliers are doing even more to help curb carbon emissions within their own manufacturing too.

When the data has been collected and compiled, it will be shared with the World Resources Institute and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, two environmental groups that Ford is consulting with.

Rob Gillingham is the General Manager of Bob Gillingham Ford, located in Parma, Ohio, which sells a variety of Source:  Amazines.com