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Environmental issues have significantly impacted automotive operations worldwide. Countries are continuing to ratchet down their allowable emissions and to remain competitive, all industries must take Life Cycle Management (LCM) and implement it into everyday practice. Economic competitiveness as a part of economic development is central to the nation's social and financial well-being. America must catch-up to the rest of the world in how it views government and industry relationships as well as how to focus costs within the corporate structure. The adversarial relationships between government and industry must give way to stronger partnerships. For this concept to succeed a long term view of problems must be made by a corporation and both short and long term actions taken to resolve these problems. Industry must help create the market for recycled goods and must “walk the talk” by using recycled goods where possible.

Environmental issues continue to impact operations in the auto industry. With the introduction of the new Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA), a new emphasis away from traditional command and control regulations towards technology driven regulations has begun. Innovative ways of meeting the new regulations are more essential than ever before. The Life Cycle Management (LCM) approach combines sound environmental decision-making with good business practices. This management approach focuses on the total cost impact of a decision throughout the entire life of the product, process and material. LCM concentrates its efforts up front at the product's developmental stage where 80% of all cost savings can be gained. LCM is not a formula for success. It is an approach which stimulates corporate cultural changes to produce quality, environmental friendly products at the lowest total cost.