Cradle-to-grave is probably not a phrase you want associated with vehicles. The environmental impacts of a product from materials acquisition through product disposal is more analytically known as life-cycle assessment. In the vehicle industry it is known as well-to-wheel, and it assesses totally energy consumption to make a car. The concept is becoming more prevalent in the minds of U.S. automakers, especially Ford.
(It should be noted that Ford is a sponsor of the Green Guide, but has no editorial influence. We try to cover all fuel efficient news from all automakers, and we’re equally open to all sponsorships.)
In its annual sustainability report, which has been published since 1999, Ford reported a 37 percent drop in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from its facilities per vehicle manufactured from 2000-2012; another 30 percent reduction is targeted from 2010 to 2025.