Mercedes-Benz is taking a big step forward by using low-carbon aluminium in the production of its new electric CLA, which leads to a remarkable 40 per cent cut in CO2 emissions compared to its non-electric version. This move is part of the company's broader plan to decarbonise its operations and reduce the environmental footprint of its electric vehicle lineup.
The aluminium is sourced via a partnership with the Norwegian metals company Norsk Hydro. It's produced using renewable energy and includes 25 per cent recycled scrap. Impressively, its production only releases 3 kilograms of CO2 for every kilogram of aluminium, which is a vast improvement compared to the global average of 16.7 kilograms.
Gunnar Guthenke, Vice-President of Procurement and Supplier Quality at Mercedes-Benz, said: "There are, of course, extra costs from using an especially low-carbon steel or aluminium. Sustainability and desirable products, such as the ones we produce, go hand in hand."
Mercedes-Benz executives have emphasised that sustainability is now at the heart of their luxury vehicle production. Interestingly, they noted that the higher price tag of low-carbon aluminium doesn't deter customers. Their collaboration with Norsk Hydro also helps share the costs involved in decarbonising the supply chain, so the financial load doesn't fall entirely on the manufacturer or the end consumers.
Also read: Tracing the origin of low-carbon aluminium: Mercedes-Benz and Hydro in Årdal
Norsk Hydro pointed out that there's a growing demand for low-carbon materials, even though the aluminium market is facing some tough times with slow economic growth. Both companies emphasised that using sustainable raw materials is becoming a significant factor that sets premium consumer products apart.
Eivind Kallevik, Chief Executive of Norsk Hydro, said: "We are seeing a growing demand for low-carbon products. The premium is not deterring buyers, even in a more challenging aluminium market in recent years marked by low economic growth."
Mercedes-Benz has come under fire in the past for its sustainability claims, including a German lawsuit about environmental marketing that was thrown out in 2022. The automaker has stated that its move towards low-carbon aluminium is part of a broader strategy to reduce emissions across its entire lineup of electric vehicles, all while maintaining the performance and luxury that customers expect.
Despite the challenges, the automaker is doubling down on its promise to cut emissions throughout its supply chain, believing that customers will increasingly seek out vehicles with a smaller production impact. The newly launched CLA model, introduced earlier this month, is a key part of Mercedes-Benz's plan to make a mark in the premium EV market while adhering to stricter EU climate regulations.
Also read: Mercedes-Benz & TSR come together to recover & reuse circular metals like aluminium into new cars
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