The environmental issues confronting the automotive industry are legion at a time when the industry is not in the best position to respond. Concerns have been raised that the industry needs to be producing “green mobility products” without definition, specificity, or expression of customer need. Business infrastructure and the regulatory landscapes are uncertain, but likely to be restrictive for the automotive sector, especially with regard to the environment and green issues. Actions the automotive industry could consider include: develop a common dictionary of terms related to “green mobility products”; address the issues affecting the industry before regulations are imposed; make the Mobility Sector part of the solution; focus on being environmentally responsive, cost-saving, and time-sensitive; and assure that the Mobility Sector is recognized as a leader for new, green technology.

Recently, SAE International partnered with the State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE), and the Michigan Green Chemistry Roundtable, to address these issues. Funded by a grant from MDNRE, SAE hosted a workshop to examine the feasibility of creating a Center for Green Innovation and Technology Transfer for the automotive industry. The workshop included panelists and discussions centering on topics that could be the focus of a new “green” center, including materials and research and development; technology transfer and the supply chain; education, training and workforce needs; and principles, standards and regulatory trends. Results and recommendations from the workshop will be presented.