A Brief Note On The American Auto Industry

The American automotive industry has been under a lot of pressure over recent years due to increased concern for the environment and increased global competition. An environmental scan on the American automotive industry shows that the global competition is a great cause for concern, new technology is providing an edge, emissions and laws regulating them are as tight as ever, and consumer opinion is reflecting concern for this.

maintenance and service. I can associate with this personally. I worked for Honda as a

There’s hardly a person alive in America today that hasn’t ridden in an automobile of some sort at some point in their life. We’re all connected to each other by roads crisscrossing roads and highways all across country, and yet few people understand how we got to this point. They simply accept their magic metal box will work when they put the key in to start their car. Long ago, this country once had a great love affair with the American Automobile, and it was a turbulent, passion filled, amazing ride.

What is business ethics? It is formally defined as the critical, structured examination of how people & institutions should behave in the world of commerce. Specifically, it examines self-interest and profits, versus moral values and ethics. The Ford Pinto was a new stylish car, which gave Ford an ultimatum.

Every day, millions of Americans turn on the engines of their cars and drive to school or work. What these people do not realize is that the vehicles they operate greatly pollute the planet. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent website post, “Environmental Impacts from Automobiles”,

Several factors have affected how the American auto industry now positions itself on the world market, and big changes have been made to reflect this new direction. The introduction of new technologies in vehicles, the growing market for cars in new developing markets, the impact of the industry on the environment, legislative responses and demands, as well as the increased expectations from consumers, are some of the factors. More international cars are being designed, manufactured and bought by American consumers and exported to foreign markets today than those exclusively manufactured by American companies, redefining the American auto industry, while having a positive impact on its economy. International brands accounted for 45% of total sales in the U.S. in 2013 and have now risen to 59% of the market, and continue to grow. While the amount of American cars has decreased in the local U.S. market share to international ones, the increase of foreign car production on U.S. soil has had the effect of creating new jobs for Americans both in the auto industry as well as in related new industries. The industry has seen huge growth numbers in the last few years with more growth expected.

The automobile industry has brought the United States economic growth due to the impact that automobiles have made on society. There has been a plethora of jobs associated with the auto industry, including manufacturing, auto repairs, insurance, and the development of roads, sales, and auto parts to enhance vehicles. Cars, trucks, and SUVs’ have become a way of life for people and have made an additional economic impact by becoming the primary means of transportation for consumers to commute to and from work, vacations, and travel between destinations. Most family households live on a budget and they must make the decision of how much of their budget they can allocate to transportation costs.

Today in America the automobile is a big part of our everyday lives and has been for many years. The automobile represents freedom, and has been the main economy builder in America. The automobile needs to stay the central part of American lives.

Global competition in the industry: There are many vehicle manufacturers throughout the world. A few common vehicles seen in my state are GM, Chrysler, Lexus, VW, Honda, Toyota, Ford, and Jeep. Each company tries to stay ahead of the rest. Toyota, based in Japan, for example was one of the first businesses to introduce hybrid vehicles. This was a direct result of the oil embargo. After having three oil shortages automobile manufacturers are creating more fuel efficient, environmentally friendly products.

As a result, seat belt use has been extensively stressed by all states; in fact, many states have endorsed stricter seat belt laws for the betterment of their community. Consequently, according to the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS), the percentage of seat belt occupants has increased gradually since 1994, which also decreases the fatality rate accordingly (see figure 2) (Traffic Safety Facts). In fact, just last year, the percentage of seat belt users nationwide grew even more since 2012 (see table 1). In observation, the actual drivers and those who live in states that support primary seat belt laws utilize seat belts more than passengers and secondary law states (Sen 2). On the whole, however, by merely just wearing a seat belt while operating a car considerably eliminates the threat of being severely wounded or

The automotive industry as one of the world 's most vital economic sectors by revenue covers a wide range of businesses involved in the design, development, marketing, production, and selling of motor vehicles. A large proportion of this industry is focused on agriculture, especially farm machinery. Although quite often people consider farming as an old fashioned, hardworking profession, owing to the technologically advanced practices farmers invest much less effort and produce much more in the 21st Century (Wang, 2010).

Transportation is the number one thing we consumers do that harms the environment. Transportation causes the highest amount of environmental damage overall - nearly half of the toxic air pollution and more than a quarter of the greenhouse gases traceable to household consumption. Over time, however, sales of trucks, vans and SUV's went from 16% market share to over 50%. One big auto manufacturer even shelved their work of the last three years, spent updating their most popular selling economy car, so they could spend the money getting SUVs to market faster.

Seat belts although they are the most effective safety device on cars must be made safer. Out of all people who died in car accidents, 63% of those were not wearing seat belts (seatbelts). This goes to show you the effectiveness of seat belt. Therefore automotive manufactures must mandate the installation of 5-point seatbelt on all cars. In all major race car organization such as NASCAR (National Association Stock Car Automotive Racing) they require these 5-point seat belt. Which is nothing more than a seatbelt that is buckled in 5 spots rather that the conventional 3.

challenges, however, are the most difficult ones to face and overcome. Some environmental issues that

The auto industry in Canada has been one the biggest contributors to the economy since its conception. Autonomous State by Dimitry Anastakis discusses both the political and economical impacts of the automobile industry. In the book, Anastakis examines aspects of the auto industry including the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in 1973, which spiked oil prices causing a slow down in exporting goods and a decrease in the general economy. Additionally, Anastakis discusses the downfall of Chrysler in the late 1970’s, which eventually inspired a deal with the government in order to save the company. The book also references the continuation of globalization in Canada, focusing on elements such as the entrance of over seas (mostly Japanese) car companies and in what way they impacted North American domestic companies. Moreover, it explains the effects of the 1989 Free Trade Agreement that was signed between Canada and US. This agreement helped govern trade and economically boosted both Canadian and US markets.