The auto industry faces some key issues. Although the government bailed out some of its companies going into bankruptcy and many of these companies have reached stability, this industry has yet to see a rise in sales. Another issue within the auto industry is the sustainability of their products and how they affect our planet. The auto industry faces environmental issues. Essentially when cars burn off gasoline the smoke that comes out of the exhaust pipe is a fossil fuel. Fossil fuels break down the ozone layer which in turn creates global warming. In order to protect the environment auto companies need to make more cars that are environmentally friendly.
What are some examples of ethics challenges that industry players have experienced?
A significant example of an ethics challenge this industry's players has faced was the recent auto bailout. GM, Ford and Chrysler car companies were producing and spending more than they could afford. They weren't increasing in sales and profit. When the recent recession nailed the country these car companies took a hard hit and looked to the government for help and money so that they wouldn't have gone bankrupt. If the government had not bailed these auto companies out the bankruptcy would have taken a toll on very many people; many people would have lost their jobs and many of the companies that manufacture parts for these cars would have lost money.
Web Sources:
http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/flowchart/2008/9/24/a-25-billion-lifeline-for-gm-ford-and-chrysler
Good post though I would be interested in hearing more specifically what your thoughts are about what specifically is ethically at stake when a company is forced into bankruptcy
ReplyDeleteYour answer to the first question hit the nail on the head. You covered the most important ethical issues of the automotive industry. Your second answer is also very good. I did not think of the government bailouts as an ethical issue but I see your point now.
ReplyDelete