TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Automakers Taking Multiple Paths Of 'Green'

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 22, 2008

From concept cars partially made of discarded soft drink bottles to plant-based material used in seats and upholstery, automakers are looking at ways to make their vehicles more environmentally friendly.

While efforts to roll out more gas-saving hybrids, meet tougher fuel economy standards and cut tailpipe emissions get much of the attention, what goes into making cars is another key part of efforts to green the auto industry.

"The whole issue around sustainability is not just about fuel economy," said Mark Fields, Ford Motor Co.'s president for the Americas.

Nation/World, Page 8

•The Lincoln MKT is part of increasing attention industrywide to the overall environmental impact of vehicles. But its environmentally friendly features aren't easily noticeable to buyers, if at all.

•"A lot of people want this kind of thing, as they want better fuel economy, but they are not willing to pay more," said Jack Nerad, executive market analyst for Irvine, Calif.-based Kelley Blue Book.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT