Mercedes 1998 Annual Report Download - page 57

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DAIMLERCHRYSLER AND THE ENVIRONMENT
53
The protection of the environment is one of
DaimlerChrysler’s main corporate objectives. The
high quality expected of our products includes high
environmental standards and respect for natural
resources. Our environmentally compatible measures
cover the entire product range and take the complete
product life cycle into consideration, from the use of
raw materials to product development, production
and product use, as well as disposal and recycling.
MEETING INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS. To efficiently implement
the environmental philosophy of DaimlerChrysler, it is essential
for environmental protection to be rooted in corporate
processes. At an early stage, we started to develop environmen-
tal management systems based on international standards.
Our production locations were certified by external auditors.
All DaimlerChrysler automotive production facilities in Germany
and our Jeep assembly plant in Austria have been certified in
accordance with the European Eco Audit Ordinance since 1998.
Some locations have already been certified for the second time.
By applying this experience, we will develop certified environ-
mental management systems at our other locations, as well as in
administrative areas, in the years to come.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUC-
TION STANDARDS. DaimlerChrysler considers itself a forerunner
in environmentally compatible production technologies. We
systematically promote the use and development of technologies
that conserve energy and water and at the same time minimize
emissions and solid waste. These efforts include reusing and
recycling raw materials and supplies and recycling production
waste. From an environmental perspective, the paint processes
used in our automotive plants are of special significance. In the
past, in the assembly plants of Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler,
Plymouth, Jeep and Dodge, we have introduced trendsetting
innovations in this area. As an example, the waste-water impact
has been lessened considerably with a lead-free cathodic
electrocoating system. Another important step was the
conversion to water-based paints for a number of coats. As a
result, paint solvent emissions have been markedly reduced.
AWARD-WINNING PAINT PROCESS FOR THE A-CLASS. The
integrated paint system for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class,
awarded the environment prize of the National Association of
German Industry in 1998, is another process that sets new
standards. Together with the supplier industry, we have
succeeded in implementing a process with minimal emissions
and reduced energy consumption that is exemplary from both
an economic and environmental perspective. By using the
“powder-slurry” procedure for clear coats, we have been able to
reduce solvent emissions to far below threshold values. At the
same time, the electrostatic application process makes it
possible to significantly reduce overspray. Paint consumption is
20% lower and paint waste is minimized as well.
ADDITIONAL ADVANCES IN PRODUCT-INTEGRATED ENVIRON-
MENTAL PROTECTION. We are committed to developing
products that are environmentally compatible in their
respective market segments.
For example, by using intelligent light weight construction
concepts for the new S-Class, particularly in the chassis and
bodywork, we have reduced vehicle weight by up to 662
pounds. Improved engines and aerodynamic drag have lowered
fuel consumption by an average of 17% compared to the
previous model. Another contribution to the conservation of
resources is the use of renewable raw materials (an average of
51 pounds per vehicle) and recycled materials. Recycled
materials now represent 14% of total plastics in the vehicle
compared to 6.5% in the predecessor model.
Increasing recycled materials is a focus for our Chrysler,
Plymouth, Jeep and Dodge vehicle products as well. Our
objective is to boost the proportion of recycled plastics to 30%
by 2002.
In August, the smart city coupe was ranked first on the German
Automobile Club’s environmental list. In addition to low
pollutant emissions and fuel consumption, the comprehensive
mobility concept was a key factor in this distinction.