by : Mike Bartley

As the global warming threat becomes increasingly known to the global community, public awareness has propelled different industries to protect the environment before it is too late. The auto industry has started developing newer technology to make vehicles more environment-friendly. Car companies known for producing gas-guzzling vehicles have been forced to produce smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles.

From hybrid electric technology to full electric car technology to alternative fuels, car manufacturers have been pouring in their funds so as to develop a new technology which will reduce the global community's consumption of petroleum fuels thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. One of the leading car manufacturers in terms of going "green" is the Ford Motor Company.

The Dearborn, Michigan-based car manufacturer not only uses alternative fuel technology to protect the environment but has also taken green steps in other areas like production and recycling as part of their environmental protection campaign. One of Ford's environment protection related initiatives is the use of sustainable fabric. One of the newest redesigned automobiles from Ford, the 2008 Escape, is reportedly the first U.S. vehicle to use 100 percent recycled material for its fabric seating exterior.

The fabrics used for the 2008 Escape's seats are produced for Ford by Interface Fabrics Inc. These fabrics are made out of post-industrial waste or those materials used for some purpose that is intended for consumer use but did not make it to the market. Examples of these are plastic bottle caps and waste polyester fabrics. These materials undergo a process where they are turned into yarn so as to be used as fabrics for the seats of the 2008 Escape. With the use of these recycled materials, it is estimated that Ford has conserved 600,000 gallons of water and eliminated the emission of 1.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide. That sure is far more impressive than a vehicle with a clean engine and a exhaust to match.

Another environmental friendly initiative that Ford has taken is the use of six-speed automatic transmissions which reduces fuel consumption significantly. These gear boxes are proven to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 7 percent on high-speed driving as compared to a four-speed transmission. The Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury brands combine to offer fifteen models which are offered with the fuel saving six-speed transmission. By the year 2008, Ford expects that they will be producing 1.3 million of these six-speed transmissions which will be offered for two out of the three cars that they will market.

Ford is also the first to use clean diesel technology for their heavy-duty pickup class vehicles. The 2008 Super Duty is Ford's answer to the stricter emission standards set by countries around the world. The heavy-duty truck is equipped with a 6.4-liter PowerStroke engine which is dubbed as clean as gasoline powered engines. This environment friendliness does not sacrifice power as the engine is rated to produce 350 horsepower and 650 ft-lb of torque. This is another evidence of Ford's commitment to develop vehicles with the environment in mind.

Another step taken by Ford towards the protection of the environment is the transformation of paint fumes too usable fuel. At Ford's Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, the company uses a Fumes-to-Fuel system where the paint fumes are incinerated. The process not only eliminates the volatile organic compounds found on these fumes but it also, at the same time, produces electricity that could still power the facility. This process is used in the plant where the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator are assembled.

Aside from this paint fume technology, Ford also uses the flex-fuel technology in their dedication to protect the environment. This is evident in the 2008 Crown Victoria Interceptor which will be sued by law enforcement agencies. The said police cars are designed to run either on gasoline or on a combination of gasoline and bio-ethanol or E85.

Aside from Ford vehicles using clean engine technology, the company has also invested in the preservation and grooming of the natural environment surrounding their facilities in Dearborn and Allen Park in Michigan. Ford's efforts include the maintenance of fields where flora and fauna abound. The company designated "Grow Zones" which are dedicated to the preservation of wildlife habitat among others.

When talking about the surrounding of a Ford facility, their River Rouge assembly facility actually sports a "living roof". The roof of the said facility which covers about 10 acres is covered with Sedum plants which filters rainwater and converts carbon dioxide to oxygen. The facility also harnesses solar energy which it uses to provide the plant with additional energy and heated water.