Rather than relying exclusively on lower carbon primary aluminum, Mercedes Benz is combining greater use of secondary material with aluminum produced using renewable electricity. The approach addresses two different emissions sources: the energy intensity of primary aluminum production and the demand for virgin raw materials. Mercedes Benz has set a target of reducing CO₂ emissions from production by 80 percent by 2030, while aiming for materials procured by Mercedes Benz Cars and Mercedes Benz Vans to be net carbon neutral by 2039. Instead of treating recycling and low carbon primary production as separate strategies, automakers are increasingly combining the two within long term supplier relationships. Hydro and Mercedes Benz first established their low carbon aluminum technology roadmap in 2022, covering the period through 2030, before expanding the collaboration across the aluminum value chain in 2024.