61% of German automotive companies link their future viability directly to the green transformation / but not even half of the industry has a functional strategy thus far – Study

For six in ten German automotive companies, it’s clear: Without quick conversion to CO2-neutral production, they will not be able to assert themselves on the market in the future. As the current study “Green Transformation in the Automobile Industry” shows, 87% of the companies have not yet exploited even their rudimentary ecological potential. Thus far, they are lacking an appropriate strategy, and the decisions made have not been implemented consistently. The automotive experts at the management consultancy Staufen surveyed more than 250 OEMs and suppliers from the automotive industry in Germany.

For the second time since 2020, the study provides insights into the green transformation of the German automobile industry. In recent years, the industry has had to absorb harsh criticism for its hesitant approach to ecological transformation. “The criticism was aimed both at the products and at production,” says Markus Riegger, who is responsible on the Executive Management of Staufen AG for the automotive sector. Meanwhile, stricter regulations and external pressures are changing things. “Overall, the green transformation has picked up speed in the industry. However, the process will take a long while and for some companies, it will be very painful,” says the automobile expert.

The era of lip service is over

Now as before, many automotive companies are lacking a coherent green strategy or they are not implementing their strategy consistently. That’s why just one quarter of those surveyed calls their own company a “green pioneer”; last year, one third put themselves in this category. “Environmental awareness is no longer a fad; it is increasingly being regarded as a matter of course. However, this also means that my company must deliver on the central issues such as energy savings and CO2-neutral energy supply. The era of lip service is over,” says Markus Riegger emphatically.

Green Awareness Index and Green Maturity Index on the rise

The Green Awareness Index determined in the course of the Staufen study indicates that the green transformation is currently a dominant topic in the automobile industry. This key indicator, represented as a decimal value between one and four, indicates the extent to which each of the companies has been able to recognize sustainability and ecology as a challenge for their business. Currently, the Green Awareness Index is 3.24, slightly higher than last year (3.23).

The Green Maturity Index, which was also calculated, makes clear the extent to which the green transformation has become everyday reality. This key indicator describes the degree of maturity of the sustainability measures at each company. The Green Maturity Index is currently 2.46; it has increased somewhat more as compared to last year (2.36). “All in all, the automobile industry is on the right path,” sums up Staufen’s Riegger. “To achieve the goal of low-emissions and CO2-neutral production, the industry has to focus on its core competencies: engineering spirit, courage and motivation.”

The study is available for download free of charge at the following link:

Congress and livestream: BestPractice Day 2021 on November 23 in Stuttgart

From digitalization to decarbonization – companies are currently undergoing one of the largest transformations in economic history. What are the challenges that must be overcome, what opportunities must be seized? And what do high performers do differently in order to maintain their entrepreneurial balance? The BestPractice Day 2021 offers answers to these questions. The event will take place on November 23, 2021 in the FILDERHALLE in Stuttgart. At the same time, the congress will also be broadcast as a livestream.

You can find all information about the congress at https://www.best-practice-day.com/en/

About Staufen AG – www.staufen.ag

Inside every company there is an even better one. With this conviction, Staufen AG has been advising and qualifying companies and employees for more than 25 years. Markets are on the move – the competitive pressure is enormous. Staufen helps to quickly bring about the right changes, increase productivity, improve quality, and increase innovative strength. With the appropriate strategies and methods, the international transformation consultancy ensures rapid and measurable success. In order to leverage the potential available in every company, Staufen consultants establish a lively and sustainable culture of change together with executives and employees. The Academy of Staufen AG also offers certified, practice-oriented training courses. From the international locations, more than 320 employees serve customers all over the world. In 2021, Staufen AG was recognized by “brand eins” as “Best Consultants” for the seventh year in a row. According to the renowned industry study “Hidden Champions 2020,” the consulting firm is Germany’s best Lean Management consultancy and was honored several times with the “Best of Consulting” award by the “Wirtschaftswoche” journal.