The case of Ford Pinto

Letter to the Engineer of Pinto, Ford Corporation

March 14, 2013

Harley Copp

Engineer of Pinto, Ford Corporation

Dear Copp,

This is in response to your letter discussing about the redesigning and structural development of Pinto, a subcompact car from the Ford Corporation. I have analysed your apprehensions for the location and proximity of the gas tank and its possible consequences. The suggestions on product modifications you have discussed in your letter were commendable. Any organization cannot surpass its product or service without meeting the ethical and environmental considerations. I would state the prelude of this letter by suggesting the Unitarianism approach for the myriad impact of the gas tank collision on the lives of consumers. Organization has shown key concerns to stable the cost benefit analysis without upgrading the fuel system. The decision of management to remain conservative to their decision may risk the lives of customers in the future.

The analyses about the historical context of the gas explosion case and product efficiency suggest some serious concerns for the Ford and its product testing department. As discussed in the case, the care was a competitive response to the Japanese subcompacts. It was introduced in the market eighteen months earlier than the average design cycle at the Ford. The product design and testing team has already identified the flaws in the design. The entire possible rear collision test can create gas explosions easily. Ford management decides to manufacture and market the car as assembly line was already in place. All these issues administer a lawsuit against the Ford Corporation in the interest of loss of human lives. It is necessary to mention the ground realities about the legal processions and public understanding of the Pinto case. It will help us to perceive the framework that will help us to ground ethical code of conduct for such fatal incidents.

The Ford's Pinto case has been entailed as 'mythical'. These folklore and false justifications has intensely burden the case. The use of standard public policies to encounter the product liability and environmental considerations is necessary to discuss in this letter. The weakness of the case is the proximity of the gas tank with other product design. This leads to the spillage of gasoline after the collision of rear-end. This story got public recognition through Grimshaw case, Mother Jones magazine and another similar case of fatal crash in the Indiana. Ford has shown liable and ambitious efforts in the later case but the reckless attitude for the design recall program.

The ultimate objective of my discussion is to justify your concerns in the effort of justifying your recommendation to the management. The ethical framework of Engineers Canada is a standard document to ensure the correct practice of professional engineering at Ford. The fundamental principle of ethics is to incorporate values in their daily decision making in a vibrant behavior. Truth, honesty and trustworthiness to safeguard human life are the core values for the professional engineers. The Pinto case determines the relentless attitude towards product ...