Ford Analyzes the Business Implications of Climate Change

Ford Motor Company has issued a report addressing the business implications of climate change, carbon dioxide emissions and global energy concerns. Much of the report details specific initiatives by Ford to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of its products and infrastructure, but the study also includes a more general analysis of the shifting consumer demand towards environmental consciousness.

According to research conducted for Ford, fuel economy is now equal with safety and more important than price in vehicle purchase decisions by US consumers. Concerns about the environmental impact of cars are increasing at a dramatically higher rate than concerns about vehicle safety, reliability or affordability. These concerns are also the underlying reason the declining sales of truck-based SUVs and other low-effiency vehicles.

These trends are more pronounced in Europe and Japan where high fuel taxes, emissions taxes, and more widespread environmental awareness have already begun to shape consumer preferences towards more environmentally friendly vehicles.

The 23-page page report can be downloaded here.