Ford of Europe releases a study on sustainable development

This is a first for the automotive industry: a study on sustainable development that tries to assess the environmental, social and economic impacts of vehicle manufacturing.

According to the Product Sustainability Index (PSI), all three models designed to date with PSI in mind -- the all-new Ford Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy -- deliver improved sustainability performance from a social, environmental and economic standpoint when compared to the previous models. This translates Ford's commitment for the upcoming years.

2006 Ford S-MAX

Ford's PSI tracks eight product attributes identified as key sustainability elements of a vehicle:

1. life cycle global warming potential (CO₂ emissions);
2. life cycle air quality potential (other air emissions);
3. the use of sustainable materials;
4. substance management;
5. exterior noise impact;
6. safety for occupants and pedestrians;
7. mobility capability;
8. life cycle ownership costs.
   

These metrics echo the multi-dimensional nature of sustainability and Ford's approach to vehicle manufacturing. All three models mentioned above were designed with these eight elements in mind.
photo:Ford