The Amazing Exploding Pinto

By: Dave Carter

Background Ford's answer to the demand for smaller compact cars

Began production in 1970

Priced under $2,000

Ethical Problems Gas tank installed between the rear bumper and the rear differential with

minimal impact cushioning from rear bumper and insufficient rear bracing making it vulnerable to puncturing or breakage in the event of a rear-end collision as slow as 20mph resulting in a high possibility of a gas-fueled fire

In some occasions the doors have become jammed trapping passengers

Ethical Problems Ford knew of this defect during the crash-test phase of design

Vehicle passed all federal requirements to be approved for road use so ford proceeded with production

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcNeorjXMrE

Ethical Considerations

Cost of Potential Lawsuits

180 burn deaths

x $200,000

180 serious burn injuries

x $67,000

2,100 burned vehicles

X $700

$49.15 million

Cost to remedy the problem

$11 per vehicle

x 12.5 million cars (projected)

$137 million

My Position Strongly disagree with Ford’s handling of the situation

Attaching a dollar amount to a person’s life is generally looked down on

$11 was a more costly solution, a simple “bladder” inside the tank would have cost $6 per vehicle

Adding the additional cost to the price wouldn’t raise the price above the target $2000