Couldn't give 2 hoots, to be honest - I'll buy the best product I can afford, no matter where it comes from.
If a well designed product happens to have a lower carbon footprint because a. the production techniques are modern, therefore b. the equipment is newer/uses less energy in production (not a certainty) and c. it doesn't break too much so you don't need to make lots of additional spares for it, I'd just say that's good quality manufacturing techniques which will help sell a product because it's reliable and well developed.
If the manufacturer gets a return on their investment in buying low energy machinery all well and good, but carbon footprint for most racers really I can't see being a major issue - particularly for nitro racers, or anyone running li-pos etc with precious metals in them!
My 2p as someone who studied manufacturing engineering and loves racing 8th scale nitro.
I hear what you're saying ref having local production to avoid carbon from transporting goods, but that means you need more tooling making, which uses quite a lot of energy in its own right. If the net result is an average product for more cost, people will vote with their wallets in this cut throat industry.
__________________
|