Carbon Net-zero Strategies in the Automotive Sector, Global, 2024–2030

The automotive industry is witnessing a global shift to sustainability, with carbon neutrality emerging as a critical objective for automakers worldwide. Regulatory frameworks, such as zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) credit systems, are reshaping how manufacturers approach production, innovation, and compliance. This study examines global OEMs' carbon net-zero strategies, focusing on the operational, regulatory, and strategic dimensions of their carbon neutrality journeys. It provides a detailed analysis of ZEV credit regulations, including calculation methodologies and the use of multipliers to achieve compliance in key markets, including the United States, Europe, and China. The study highlights OEM initiatives in sustainable sourcing, decarbonized supply chains, and advanced technology adoption, showcasing the interplay between investments in sustainability and market differentiation. By profiling leading automakers' carbon net-zero strategies, the study offers insight into how regional variations and technological advancements are shaping the automotive industry's decarbonization landscape.

The Impact of the Top 3 Strategic Imperatives on the Automotive Industry’s Carbon Net-zero Strategies

Transformative Megatrends
Why:
Carbon neutrality commitments drive the integration of renewable energy practices in automotive OEM manufacturing plants.

Sustainable practices are becoming a strategic differentiator, influencing customer purchasing decisions.

The emphasis on sustainability across the supply chain to reduce illegal mining and logistics emissions is evident.

Frost Perspective:
During the next 5 years, OEMs will adopt renewable energy, achieving a minimum 50% renewable energy mix in their factories.

Within this decade, automotive OEMs will include their sustainability practices as strategic communication to attract environmentally conscious consumers.

In the next 5 years, responsible sourcing and sustainable logistics practices will become mandatory for North American and EU automotive OEMs.

Geopolitical Chaos
Why:
Political unrest and geopolitical tensions may result in energy supply disruptions between countries, leading to shortages in manufacturing operations.
Sustainability initiatives in the automotive industry contribute directly to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and Goal 13 (Climate Action).

Frost Perspective:
Owing to unfavorable political conditions after the COVID-19 pandemic, automotive OEMs are targeting self-sustaining energy production through renewable sources, such as solar, wind, and biogas, for their manufacturing facilities.

During the next 5–10 years, automotive brands will try to integrate sustainable practices that directly contribute to specific SDGs and broader sustainability objectives to have a positive societal and environmental impact.

Disruptive Technologies
Why:
Digital technologies, such as IoT sensors and smart energy management systems, allow automotive OEMs to monitor energy usage in real time, reducing overall energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Digital tools, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI), enhance supply chain transparency by tracing raw material origins for sustainable and ethical sourcing.

Frost Perspective:
The integration of energy-efficient technologies and predictive maintenance systems will become mandatory in automotive manufacturing during the next 5 years.

Full-scale adoption of digital solutions, such as blockchain, digital twins, and generative AI, to enable monitoring and reduce carbon footprints, as well as position the automotive industry as a leader in sustainable manufacturing practices, will occur after 2030.

Scope of Analysis
The study provides a comprehensive overview of regulatory carbon credits by examining zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) credit regulations, their calculation methodologies, and the influence of multipliers in driving compliance with carbon net-zero targets across the United States, the European Union (EU), and China.

The study explores the operational and product development impacts of carbon net-zero strategies on OEMs, focusing on the sustainable sourcing of materials and components, as well as the role of technology vendors in enabling decarbonization initiatives.

The study analyzes OEM initiatives in sustainable sourcing, supply chain decarbonization, and end-of-life (EOL) product management, highlighting the role of technology partnerships and vendor contributions. It examines investments in carbon net-zero strategies and their effects on organizational strategy, market differentiation, and regional variations.

The study profiles select global OEMs’ carbon net-zero strategies, showcasing their organizational vision, strategic initiatives, and technological advancements tailored to regional market requirements.

Growth Drivers
Electric Vehicle (EV) Components’ End of Life (EOL):
OEMs will adopt business models that leverage opportunities in EV second-life applications and recycle raw materials from EVs, such as nickel and cobalt.

Advanced Manufacturing Processes:
Concepts such as digital twins, energy-efficient manufacturing systems, and micro-factories will reduce GHG emissions and waste generation in factories and ensure sustainability in vehicle assembly.

SDGs:
As a part of their SDG goals and commitment to sustainable development, UN member countries are increasingly imposing regulations on automotive OEMs to increase sustainable practices and reduce GHG emissions across the value chain.

Circular Economy Principles:
Vehicle manufacturing will adopt a sustainability-focused approach that includes EOL recycling and modular assembly practices from the concept stage to ensure sustainable practices in vehicle design in the coming years.

Lightweight Materials:
Automotive manufacturers are adopting lightweight materials to reduce overall vehicle weight, translating to improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

Growth Restraints
Vehicle Life Cycle Monitoring:
Monitoring sold vehicles and retrieving them for proper EOL disposal is becoming an essential task for automakers. Stricter recycling and disposal standards are threatening automotive manufacturers.

High Implementation Costs to Achieve Sustainability:
Implementing sustainable practices in material usage and energy generation involves substantial investments, which burdens automotive OEMs, especially small- and medium-sized automakers.

Lack of Standards and Regulations:
Sustainability standards differ by region, with EU standards being much stricter than Asian ones. Implementing sustainability across an automaker’s manufacturing locations becomes challenging, as plants in different regions have divergent priorities.

Limited Consumer Awareness:
Consumers have limited awareness of and interest in buying green products, such as eco-friendly car interiors and modular vehicles, and the willingness to pay for such products is only picking up slowly, making automakers cautious about investing in these areas.

Limitations in Sustainable Material Usage:
Despite the encouragement to adopt sustainable materials, they have certain limitations; for example, using plant-based materials to replace plastics will improve renewable material usage but promote deforestation.

Key Competitors
Stellantis
Ford
General Motors (GM)
Hyundai & Kia
Toyota
Volkswagen (VW)
BYD
SAIC
Geely
GM
Toyota
VW
BYD
SAIC
Geely