Business 10th Edition by Ferrell,Geoffrey Hirt,Linda Ferrell

Exercise 3

Sustainability Trade-offs: Lighter Vehicles and Higher Prices
As auto manufacturers focus on sustainability, vehicles are evolving into lighter versions of their old selves. Producing vehicles with materials such as aluminum, carbon fiber, and high-strength steel are decreasing the weight of vehicles by about 200 pounds, while still providing the same amount of strength and without increasing the retail price. It is estimated that a vehicle's weight accounts for two-thirds of the energy it uses, and lighter vehicles are expected to cut fuel usage in half. The use of lighter materials also allows for vehicles to be bound with structural adhesives and sealants, which can add rigidity to the body of the vehicle, absorb shock, and potentially provide a safer ride for the customer.
However, there is a downside. As cars become lighter, consumers face higher repair costs when it comes time to repair their environmentally friendly vehicles. These lighter materials are difficult to repair because welding and cutting weaken the surface. For example, customers may have to purchase an entire new panel for the damaged portion of the vehicle, which is more expensive than paying for repair work or replacement parts. Additionally, there have been cases wherein the auto adhesives have melted when reaching certain temperatures. These are some examples of the kinds of trade-offs companies and consumers are facing in the quest to be more sustainable. 57
Discuss some of the trade-offs of having lighter, more sustainable vehicles.