The SPE Automotive Composites Conferenc & Expo (ACCE), announces the second keynote for its Sept. 4-6, 2024 event to be located in Novi, Michigan.  Kristin von Szadkowski, field of action lead for Sustainable Product Innovation, and innovation project lead for Circular Car Project at Volkswagen Group Innovation (Wolfsburg, Germany), will present “ Beyond Carbon-Neutral Mobility – Sustainability in the Volkswagen Group Innovation.”

Kristin von Szadkowski. Source | SPE ACCE

The keynote will highlight the goals behind Volkswagen’s Circular Car Concept lighthouse project developed from the results of its Go.Sub-Zero global sustainability research program and Sustainable Product Innovation field of action. The core of both programs included the development of sustainable automotive materials, establishing concepts for recycling and circular economy as well as CAE simulation technologies to promote efficiencies in the development process as well as on the road. The presentation will also outline the materials and technologies targeted to help Volkswagen achieve sustainability goals, with a focus on composites. 

“Our sustainability goals include reducing the CO2 footprint per vehicle by 30% [compared to 2018’s footprint] and selling 50% BEV [battery electric vehicles] globally,” says Szadkowski. “By 2040, the Volkswagen Group plans to sell 100% emission-free vehicles in the main markets. By 2050, the entire Volkswagen Group aims to become a climate-neutral company.” Szadkowski says that support and solutions from the autocomposites industry will aid in these endeavors.

For related content, read “First keynote announced for SPE ACCE 2024.”