HOW ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INFLUENCE THE FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS OF A PRODUCT EXAMPLE


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HOW ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INFLUENCE THE FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS OF A PRODUCT - EXAMPLE - THE CAR
V. Ryan © 2010

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A typical customer now demands high levels of fuel efficiency, due not only to the rising cost of fuel, but also to concerns over increasing levels of pollution. This can be read in promotional literature, when considering buy a car. Concerns over fuel efficiency and environmental damage, has led to the development of a range of energy efficient engines, including diesel, electric, hydrogen and hybrid engines/motors. Without customer driven environmental concerns, it is doubtful that engines / motors of this type would have been developed and manufactured.



Cars are available in an increasing range of models. The customer requirement for a small environmentally friendly car, over the previous decades, has led directly to energy efficient models being developed. For example, the Fiat Panda Cross. This is an fuel efficient, four seater, four wheel drive car. This car has been developed for those people who what all the advantages of a four by four and also high fuel efficiency. Traditionally 4 x 4 drivers had large, fuel inefficient cars. This car is aimed at the environmental market as well as those customers on a smaller budget. In normal mode it operates as a two wheel drive vehicle, although with a press of a button, it changes to four wheel drive.

This car is capable of achieving in excess of 50 mph, on a motorway drive and at least 47 MPG on an urban commuter circuit. It is acknowledge as a very good 4 x 4, especially in snow. It has all the usual functions and features of a large 4 x 4, including hill holder and yet the driver can select two wheel or four wheel drive manually.



1. When considering the purchase of a new car, why does a typical potential customer demand high levels of fuel efficiency?




2. List new engines that have been developed, due to environmental concerns of potential customers.



3. Select one of the engines you named in question 2. Explain why you consider it to be environmentally friendly, compared to older engine technology.






4. Select a car you regard as damaging the environment less than most other cars of its type. For example, the Fiat Panda Cross 4x4. In the space below, describe the car and include your reasons for selecting this vehicle.













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