Symptoms and the Root Cause of the Problem
The trend for the increase in the number of vehicles in the world over the years is quite alarming. Whereas towards the end of the twentieth century we had about 670 million vehicles globally, it is estimated that the number may surge to 3.5 billion in the year 2050. Although the number in the industrialized nations is expected to double, major growth is expected to be in developing nations such as India, Malaysia, China and Indonesia.
Towards the end of the twentieth century, there was an increase in traffic in the EU in terms of the number of private cars, road freight haulage and the overall distance travelled by road vehicles (May 303). However, these are just but the symptoms of the real problems bedeviling the automobile sector in Europe.
Increased congestion in urban areas has been caused by the increasing number of vehicles. There has been an increase in traffic jams along some road networks in Europe. The costs of external traffic congestion along the roads are also mounting. Besides, the automobile industry is a major contributor of carbon dioxide emission to the environment which greatly increases global warming (DuPont 127). It is estimated that 84% of the emissions is from road transport. This problem is greatly contributed by the internal combustion engine which does not utilize energy efficiently.
Moreover, the increased production of vehicles has led to an increase in accidents in Europe. This has led to numerous injuries and los of lives. The increased use of vehicles has also resulted to overconsumption of fuel by the vehicles hence leading to overdependence on imported oil. This may be insecure due to competition from upcoming economies (May 304-305). The oil prices are unstable and as such have led to illegal oil trade in the past which has resulted to an increase in accidents and deaths (May 308).
Options to a Solution
To reduce the impact of road transport on environment, first, there should be use of alternative fuels apart from improving the efficiency of energy (May 304). The second option is the use of hybrid vehicles like has been the case for Toyota and Honda motors. Compared to the conventional engines, the hybrid vehicles are not only less polluting but also more efficient (Silberglitt 27; Concepcion 1-6).
The third option in which there is undergoing research is to look for alternative fuel sources for the internal combustion engine and to invent an alternative form of power for vehicles. Additionally, there are moves to enhance the use of diesel engines that are more efficient (May 305).
Use of renewable energies such as biodiesel and bioethanol can be used together with existing fuel to power conventional engines. Modifications on engines will be required if these fuels are to be used on their own. Use of these fuels will reduce dependency on oil though their effect on greenhouse gas emissions will be limited.
Proposed Action to the Preferred Solution and Risk Mitigation
A preferred solution of reducing fuel consumed by vehicles is by reducing the vehicle’s weight. This can be achieved by constructing the body exterior and structure using light materials such as aluminium, magnesium and plastics (May 305-306). This is further motivated by the EU requirement that suggests that 95% by weight of vehicles should be recycled by 2015. This will not only require that components be carefully labeled but will also put a limit to the number of plastics to be used.
The manufacturing process and suppliers will be affected by these changes. The nature and location of jobs in the industry will also be affected. Moreover, to ensure a future reduction in the carbon emission from the automobile sector, fuel cells powered by hydrogen should be used in providing power for the vehicles (May 306).
Other measures that the government intends to implement are use of alternative fuels that are environmentally friendly and reduction of the driver’s behavior that cause road accidents. Since these measures will be seen to interfere with people’s freedom, they are likely to lead to political opposition (May 311).
For these changes to be effected there should be acquisition of new skills and continual updating on the part of employees. The general public and all stakeholders in the automobile industry need to be informed by the government transport industry on the new changes to help mitigate the risk of political and customer revolt.
Works Cited
Concepcion, Mandy. Advanced Hybrid Vehicle Systems. NY: Mandy Concepcion, 2006. Web.
DuPont, Andre. An American Solution for Reducing Carbon Emissions – Averting Global Warming – Creating Green Energy and Sustainable Employment. Falls Church: DuPont Group Inc, 2009. Web.
May, Graham. Europe’s Automotive Sector at Crossroads. Emerald Group Publishing, 2004.
Silberglitt, Richard. The global technology revolution 2020, in-depth analyses: Bio-nano-materials-information trends, drivers, barriers, and social implications. Santa Monica: Rand Corporation, 2006. Web.