A qualitative study about perceptions of European automotive sector's contribution to lower greenhouse gas emissions

Abstract

This paper discusses the perceptions of some of the key stakeholders related with the European automotive manufacturers, automotive related industries – oil, tyres, electric batteries and information technology industries – and academia, about the technological contributions to lower greenhouse gas emissions of individual passenger vehicles. A qualitative approach, based on semi-structured interviews, was used in order to identify and explore possible relationships, causes, effects and dynamic processes. Technological and behavioural aspects were identified as crucial for the decrease of fossil fuels consumption and hence reducing carbon dioxide emissions. It was concluded that there is a strong focus on lowering the greenhouse gas and carbon dioxide emissions in the automotive sector and related industries concerning innovation process; furthermore there is a need for major stakeholders, including policy makers, to look at sustainable mobility using a more holistic and inclusive approach to achieve an effective delivery.