How can automotive aftermarket customers be informed and engaged about environmental issues and solutions?

? Consumers are embracing the concept of e-mobility as a result of new regulations. The introduction of a new zero-emission transport scheme is poised to reshape the entire automotive industry and ecosystem. In Europe, if all goes well, 2030 will be the end of the conventional cars...

To engage automotive aftermarket customers on environmental issues, focus on these strategies: Educate: Share data-driven content on the environmental impact of automotive parts and sustainable practices. Highlight Green Products: Showcase eco-friendly options and their benefits, comparing them to traditional alternatives. Run Campaigns: Implement awareness campaigns and partner with environmental organizations to broaden reach. Offer Incentives: Provide discounts or rewards for recycling old parts and choosing green products. Showcase Initiatives: Demonstrate your own sustainability efforts and successful case studies. Interactive Engagement: Use surveys and Q&A sessions to involve customers and gather feedback.

?? As Hubert Reeves aptly puts it, "We're at war with nature. If we win it, we're lost." Embracing eco-friendly solutions becomes paramount for sustainability. Prioritizing renewable materials and adopting products with low carbon footprints are critical steps in ensuring a harmonious coexistence with the planet. It's a reminder that our victory should lie in preserving and respecting nature, not in overpowering it.

For end-consumer to really embrace eco-friendly, low-carbon and low-emissions components is possible when a lower environmental footprint is combined with a lower price point. This is usually possible for remanufactured components. Positioning remanufactured components as a best-value, lowest environmental impact alternative could unleash significant additional potential.

?? From my standpoint, industry stakeholders, particularly manufacturers, should shoulder more responsibility for enlightening both the sector and the public. This growing awareness will not only fuel a shared vision but also contribute to cultivating a culture that prioritizes environmental sustainability. It is essential to plan and coordinate events, meetings, seminars, and social campaigns effectively.

In addition, aftermarket suppliers should really embrace the green aspects of their components. From my experience, many companies already minimize the environmental footprint, but do not leverage this as an additional value factor for their components.

?? It is imperative for every company to adopt such a perspective and vision. Companies should actively promote and support their employees' involvement in these organizations. These events and programs have the potential to disseminate awareness throughout the sector, fostering new collaborations aimed at creating a greener environment.

Environmental problems associated with vehicles are investigated, monitored and communicated to the population by government authorities, similar to safety issues. Often several authorities are involved, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US. The authorities usually inform the population nationally via their websites, i.e. anyone interested can find out about any problems that arise with their vehicles there. For information about global environmental and technical vehicle incidents, there are private data providers. For example, the information portal Carwatch.net provides weekly information from all major automotive markets, some of it free of charge.

??Tracking measurable progress is essential for future advancements, echoing W. Edwards Deming's insight: "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it." Starting from a defined point allows a systematic observation of every improvement milestone. This structured approach not only provides clarity in assessing advancements but also forms the basis for effective management of ongoing developments.

Remanufactured components are already considered an attractive alternative component quality in the US. In other end-markets, remanufactured components still have not gained the same market perception, but players should work together to strengthen this category. It typically unites a lower environmental impact, lower cost for the customer and value creation within the same market - So a true win-win-win