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- Industry-Specific Framework: New draft standard targets auto manufacturers and suppliers, covering over 20% of global man-made emissions with tailored guidance across scopes 1, 2, and 3.
- Practical, Science-Based Criteria: Emphasis on low-emission vehicle targets, regional pathways, and upstream supply chain decarbonization.
- Broad Stakeholder Input Sought: Consultation runs through August 11, 2025, aiming to balance ambition with real-world applicability.
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has launched a public consultation on its draft Automotive Sector Net-Zero Standard, aiming to accelerate credible climate action in one of the world’s most emission-intensive industries.
The automotive sector accounts for more than 20% of global man-made greenhouse gas emissions, making it central to global decarbonization efforts. The proposed standard builds on the SBTi’s broader Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2, while offering sector-specific detail and clarity.
“Decarbonizing the road transport sector is a crucial component of meeting our global net-zero goals, and the automotive sector has a substantial role to play as providers of new vehicles,” said Karl Downey, Head of Sector Standards at SBTi.
The standard sets clear emissions reduction criteria for automakers and automotive parts manufacturers, grounded in the latest climate science. It applies to:
- Automakers producing over 10,000 vehicles annually
- Auto parts manufacturers generating at least 20% of their revenue from automotive components
Companies below these thresholds can opt for either this standard or the cross-sector version to demonstrate climate leadership.
RELATED ARTICLE: SBTi Enhances Corporate Net-Zero Standard to Refine Emission Neutralization
Key updates under consultation include:
- A new aggregated emissions indicator across scopes 1, 2, and 3 for vehicle producers
- A replacement of the ZEV Declaration with specific targets for low-emission vehicle sales
- Regionally tailored emissions pathways reflecting diverse economic contexts
- Detailed well-to-wheel emissions guidance, including default data inputs
- Stricter emissions criteria for auto parts suppliers, targeting upstream material and manufacturing impacts
Downey emphasized that stakeholder input is critical to ensuring practical and effective implementation:
“The feedback we receive from stakeholders will ensure that the final Automotive Sector Net-Zero Standard enables automakers and auto parts manufacturers to make ambitious and practical greenhouse gas reductions and helps them seize the opportunities of electrification—building resilience and greater efficiency while maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly transforming market.”
The consultation is open until August 11, 2025, and welcomes input from companies, investors, policymakers, civil society, and academics.