Nothing is impossible? For a long time it was considered a blocker, but today sustainability is a strategic pillar of the automotive industry. The transformation of Germany’s key industry will not only be achieved by switching to emission-free drives based on renewable energies. The production and choice of materials also help to improve the ecological balance of the vehicles over their life cycle. Responsible manufacturers pay attention to climate friendliness and circularity when it comes to raw materials. They are working on the use of green hydrogen-based steel and the development of alternative paint finishes, interior materials and body parts.

Circular economy and the increasing automation and networking of manufacturing processes are driving the decarbonization of the industry. Car manufacturers have not yet reached the tipping point where sustainable business models dominate. The global green race for new vehicle concepts must become faster without advancing the social dimension in the sense of the ESG criteria.

Vehicle construction is the largest industrial sector in Germany and is therefore of the highest economic importance. For private customers and companies with company car fleets and vehicle fleets, manufacturers are the most important players in the transport transition towards climate-friendly mobility. In view of the climate crisis, which is promoting the trend towards bicycles and public transport and reducing the acceptance of individual vehicles, new business models are required. Thanks to autonomous driving, highly utilized robo-shuttle fleets will be able to significantly reduce the number of vehicles in urban areas in the future without losing profitability (e.g. through new digital income opportunities during use). The development of autonomous driving functions, new services and sharing concepts also contribute to sustainable car policies in companies. In all changes, the supply industry plays a key role as often the driving force for innovation. .

The industry includes, for example, the production of cars and commercial vehicles including engines, bodies, trailers, parts and accessories from suppliers.