Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions  -  April 12, 2022

BMW Group Wheels Made From Green Power

The BMW Group will use cast aluminum wheels produced with 100% green power for its BMW and MINI brands from 2024 onwards. 

The transition applies to the energy-intensive electrolysis used in producing aluminum and to the wheel-casting process. Corresponding agreements have been reached with all BMW Group wheel suppliers.

Wheels had accounted for about 5% of supply chain CO2 emissions. Transitioning to more sustainable production that relies on green power will reduce these emissions by more than half. The BMW Group procures about 10 million light-alloy wheels per year; 95% of these are made from cast aluminum.

 Through independent audits, the BMW Group can ensure conscious and sustainable use of aluminum by its contracted producers, saving up to 500,000 tons of CO2 per year. 

“Green power is one of the biggest levers for reducing CO2 emissions in our supply chain. We have already signed more than 400 contracts with our suppliers, including suppliers of wheels and aluminum, requiring them to use green power,” says Joachim Post, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network, in a statement.

In 2023 the MINI will begin using light-alloy cast wheels made from 70% secondary aluminum in the new generation of the MINI Countryman. The combination of 100% green power for production and 70% secondary raw material content can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional manufacturing processes.

BMW’s aim is to reduce emissions throughout the supply chain by 20% from 2019 levels by 2030. Since 2021, the BMW Group has sourced aluminum from the United Arab Emirates manufactured exclusively using electricity obtained from solar power.

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