Comparative Analysis of Automotive Products Regarding the Influence of Eco-Friendly Methods to Emissions’ Reduction

Abstract

This article utilized a multicriterial quantitative and qualitative analysis of the influence of eco-friendly methods in reducing emissions over the life cycle of automotive products. The new proposed multicriterial method is applicable where preferential criteria are independent of each other, and where uncertainty has not been incorporated into a formal model. The linear model showed how the values of several criteria related to the options could be combined into an overall value. The main objective of this research was to apply a multicriterial methodology to improve the accuracy of existing approaches in identifying the influence of eco-friendly methods to reduce emissions over the product life cycle, and to assist decision makers in the manufacturing process. The research questions were as follows: Which one of two automotive products (“Bus” or “Truck”) has the best environmental performance (EPP)? Which one of two automotive products (“Bus” or “Truck”) has the best overall environmental performance (EPAPL)? This research provided a detailed comparative analysis of a “Crosstown bus” and a “Tractor truck”, both made at the Industrial Park Romania Brasov, Romania, using a multicriterial analysis. This article provided an answer to the first research question, whilst only presenting the results for the second question. The results of the proposed multicriterial method applications provide a decision support base for environmental managerial decisions in the field of automotive production processes.