The automotive industry in Germany. Development of energy efficiency

Seminar paper from the year 2015 in the subject Sociology - Economy and Industry, grade: 1,0, University of Trier (Chair of Environmental and Urban Economics), course: European Environmental Economics, language: English, abstract: This paper will focus on the e-mobility and the evolution of electric vehicles and discuss environmental issues that are closely connected to the green movement. First a brief overview of the environmental aspects, related to the topic mentioned will be given. There will be a discussion not only on those aspects on a national level but also on a European and global level. Furthermore, this text will deal with the technology of the e-mobility and focus on exploring which economic, environmental and political aspects are connected with e-mobility and environmental concerns in Germany. Additionally, an international comparison between Germany and France, and Germany and the USA will be made; to enable the reader to know where these countries stand concerning sales of electric vehicles, political action and infrastructure of e-mobility. Over the past 40 years one can observe an evolution of 'environmental concern' in several areas. This transition is called an evolution from environmentalism to green. There is a shift from emphasizing environmental problems to the underlying problems with our social, economic, technical or legal system. Further, the geographical focus changes from local problems to global issues. There has been a gradual change in the attitude towards business. From the business as the core of the problem to the business as a part of the solution to problems can be observed as well. From a marketing point of view one can observe the emerging importance of green awareness in the media during the late 80s. It is argued that a change in consumption behaviour of consumers led to the reaction of the producers. Moreover, since the early 1990s, more than 85% of the multinational companies in Europe have adapted themselves to this green movement by changing their way of production. In this connection, not just specific sectors in the European economy have been affected by this adjustment process, but almost every line of businesses. Technological change is denoted as a possible solution to some negative environmental effects. In the same context it is added that new technologies also may introduce new environmental issues, such that the strategic management towards sustainability became increasingly important.