National Circular Economy Strategy: After-sales as the Key to Sustainable Mobility

The Association of International Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (VDIK) welcomes the publication of the action plan for implementing the National Circular Economy Strategy (NKWS). The federal government is thereby providing important impetus for resource conservation, the circular economy, and the security of supply of raw materials. From the VDIK’s perspective, however, it will be crucial that the planned measures are designed to be practical and that existing legal uncertainties in the automotive after-sales market are eliminated.

“The circular economy doesn’t start with recycling. It begins with using vehicles for as long as possible, maintaining them properly, repairing them, and remanufacturing components,” explains VDIK President Imelda Labbé. “The after-sales sector, in particular, has been making a significant contribution to resource conservation and the reduction of CO₂ emissions for decades.”

Against this backdrop, the VDIK views the national implementation of the European right to repair as a key component of the circular economy. At the same time, the specific characteristics of technically highly complex products such as motor vehicles must be taken into account. From the VDIK’s perspective, it is particularly important to explicitly recognize remanufactured parts as an integral part of a functioning circular economy. The use of such components reduces raw material consumption, lowers emissions, and helps keep repairs economically attractive.

The VDIK will therefore advocate for legally sound, technology-neutral, and low-bureaucracy solutions regarding the implementation of the right to repair throughout the ongoing legislative process.