BMW is stepping up its sustainability efforts and has partnered with UAE-based Emirates Global Aluminum on a deal that provides solar-produced aluminum to the automaker. The move comes as BMW enhances the production of its fleet of electric vehicles and looks to have at least 25 models by 2023.
Aluminum is used to make body frames more lightweight and has extensive use throughout a car including wiring, wheels, and even engine parts. Nadine Philipp, head of sustainability at BMW, told Cheddar the goal is to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) output.
"For a year, we save more than 220,000 tonnes [243,000 tons] of CO2 by this production and we can cover half of the demands of our plant back in Landshut [Germany] where we produce drive trains, for example, and body components," Philipp said. "So we are really happy that we have the set up there and that we can go on with the green aluminum."
With the EGA partnership, BMW expects to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2.8 million tons by 2030. The German car manufacturer joins a number of other automakers making an effort to bring down their carbon footprint within the first half of this century.
"We believe that this is key to the future of society, like committing to the Paris Climate Agreement targets. That's a key role, and we are part of this. We have a responsibility there and we have responsibility towards, of course, our own business, our customers, but [also] society," she added.
Though the luxury brand is making significant changes to production, Philipp said the quality of vehicles will not be compromised. For BMW, she said, efforts in sustainability are just as important as incorporating the latest technology into cars and is even demanded by the customer base.
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