- Ford employs a comprehensive approach to ensure the all-new Focus represents an environmentally responsible and sustainable vehicle choice
- A ground breaking product sustainability index is used by Ford engineers to measure progress in improving environmental performance
- Key Focus sustainability initiatives include expanded use of renewable and recycled materials and elimination of potential allergens
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 24, 2011 Maximizing sustainability was a primary goal for the all-new Ford Focus, which incorporates a comprehensive approach to improving the vehicles environmental performance.
In addition to the major efforts in minimizing CO2 emissions and increasing fuel economy through a high-efficiency powertrain, weight savings and improved aerodynamics, engineers considered a variety of other factors to ensure that the new Ford Focus represents a green and sustainable vehicle choice.
This holistic approach addressed the entire vehicle lifecycle and included measures that ranged from maximizing the use of recycled and renewable materials to avoiding any potential allergenic substances in the cabin.
Designed for sustainability
The progress in improving sustainability for the new Ford Focus was monitored using Fords ground breaking product sustainability index (PSI). This index represents the automotive industrys most comprehensive approach in assessing the environmental, social and economic impact of vehicles and demonstrates Fords commitment to taking a leading role in addressing these issues.
The Ford PSI gives us a very clear view of the sustainability of our vehicles, said Jim Hughes, chief engineer. As we develop a new model, we can use the index to ensure that every aspect of the product is as sustainable as possible.
The Ford PSI tracks eight product attributes identified as key sustainability elements of the vehicle:
- Lifecycle global warming potential (mainly CO2 emissions)
- Lifecycle air quality potential (other air emissions)
- The use of sustainable materials (recycled and renewable materials)
- Substance management (including elimination of potential allergens)
- Exterior noise impact (drive-by noise)
- Safety (for occupants and pedestrians)
- Mobility capability (seat and luggage capacity relative to vehicle size)
- Lifecycle ownership costs (full costs for the customer over the first three years)
These metrics reflect the multi dimensional nature of sustainability and illustrate the breadth of Fords holistic approach. During product development the index allows new models to be compared to their predecessors, confirming sustainability performance is improved. This approach has helped to ensure the new Ford Focus provides a more sustainable choice than previous models.
Increased use of recycled and renewable materials
As a key part of the sustainability program, Ford has implemented stringent internal requirements to increase the use of recycled renewable materials within its products.
The new Ford Focus is part of this initiative, which has created more than 300 separate parts formed with recycled material, diverting approximately 20,000 tons of waste away from landfills each year.
Fords material engineers developed components from recycled material while ensuring no compromise to vehicle quality, durability or performance.
The new Ford Focus features a range of parts produced using recycled content. These include sound insulation material manufactured from recycled denim jeans and cotton fabrics as well as carpets featuring recycled plastic content plus a number of plastic components produced from a variety of consumer and industrial waste materials such as the battery housing, cover and base plate, wheel arch liners and heating/ventilation components.
Elimination of potentially harmful materials
For more than 20 years, Fords restricted substance management standards defined what materials to avoid or eliminate in Ford products and in parts and materials provided by suppliers.
To manage materials across the vehicle lifecycle, Ford has developed a global materials management process. This helps Ford communicate materials requirements to suppliers and track the materials used in parts suppliers produce.
Focus Electric launched in 2012
As part of its strategy to offer a choice of sustainable vehicle solutions, Ford is introducing the all-electric rechargeable Focus Electric as part of the all-new Focus model family.
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 163,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.