Greener manufacturing

The UK car manufacturing sector risks missing out on vital investment in environmental production processes if government and consumers place too much emphasis on the green credentials of vehicles themselves, warned Volvo’s environmental advisor, Don Potts.

Speaking at the press launch of Volvo’s new range of DRIVe low emission cars, Potts said that manufacturers were struggling to balance the government’s long term carbon targets with short term consumer needs. The result, according to Potts, has been a lack of investment in green processes at the cost of the UK’s manufacturing future.

Potts said: ‘The problem is that not many people who buy cars are interested in the manufacturing process. It doesn’t sell vehicles and until people look at the bigger picture, manufacturers won’t have an incentive to change their practices.’

He added: ‘The drive towards lowering CO₂ has definitely made Volvo spend a lot more money on modifying cars and invest in greener manufacturing facilities. But there are many companies that think these government initiatives are an absolute pain because in a recession, additional expenses can send a company into bankruptcy.’