Environmental Challenges Facing the American Auto Industry Essay Example

also in other countries. The global competition in the auto industry has led to reduction in prices for the automobiles.

The two largest car manufacturers worldwide are Toyota and general Motors. These companies belong to both Japan and the United States respectively. This shows the state in which the American market has access to cheap vehicles. The trade between these two countries makes it even more accessible. As such, global competition in the auto industry in the American market has not only reduced the prices of the vehicles significantly but increased their numbers in the street thereby leading to environmental degradation through air pollution.

The dynamism in the automobile industry has led to the manufacture of cars that use electricity, gas, or just battery. The earliest cars were powered by steam. One of the common and essential components in a car is the battery. The older batteries did not last for long. This led to the manufacture of lead-acid battery. The battery contains lead which is one of the harmful substances to the environment. Although the battery can be returned to the company where 97% is recycled, the 7% has accounted for more than 42,000 tons of lead release to the environment (Maczulak, 2010). Additionally, not all of these batteries are returned to the companies. Some are disposed by their owners. This is a big challenge to the environment. Environmental challenges by the auto mobile industry has led to the discovery of new safe technology as well. For example, electric cars have been developed which has proved a success in many areas. However, the cost of making these vehicles is high. It seems that this is the

way forward and most companies will have to adapt before they start losing their market.

There are a number of emissions from vehicles which are hazardous to the environment. One of the most popular dangerous emissions to the environment from the automobiles is gas emission. This has been facilitated by the dependence of auto-industries and America on oil. Additionally, tire particles have led to the rise of toxicity in the nearby soils. Panting and coating of cars also release harmful substance to the air. All these emissions have been known to cause lung problems. These implications have led to changes in the automobile industry in America. One good example is the development of electric cars by Tesla. The car is getting popular each year with many of its buyers coming from Norway where they are environmental friendly. People have responded to this issue of environmental pollution by the automobiles by riding bikes, buying non-gas powered vehicles, and some have resorted to walking or commuting by electric train each day.

In conclusion, the issue of environment has become one of the most sensitive subjects worldwide. Many industries have suffered as a result of no adhering to environmental standards. In the automobile industry, environmental challenges will only get popular each year and the stakeholders should be ready for a change. Electric car is fast becoming popular in many areas. Some of the initial challenges they faced such as charging infrastructure is currently being developed. Although this is a big issue to other automobile companies, it is also a blessing in disguise for those individuals that love the environment. It is good if all automobile companies embrace environmental friendly principles.

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