How Automotive Giants are Advancing Supplier Decarbonisation

A collaborative programme for supplier decarbonisation, Transform: Auto, is expanding from North America to cover Europe, Turkey and Morocco.

The initiative, led by Trio and Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP), represents a notable development for sustainability-focused transformation across the global automotive supply chain.

The programme has already engaged with more than 800 suppliers in North America during its first two years. This expansion into new manufacturing regions aligns with increasing regulatory and commercial pressures on automotive companies to reduce Scope 2 emissions and secure dependable clean energy sources.

The move has been framed as part of a wider industry trend.

“This expansion is part of a larger industry trend – that supply chain sustainability is not slowing down,” says Joey Lange, Senior Managing Director, Sustainability and Clean Energy at Trio.

Joey suggests that, when automotive firms and their suppliers collaborate on renewable energy and efficiencies, the effect on industry-wide emissions could be substantial.

Industry-wide collaboration

The programme aims to support suppliers in cutting their indirect emissions from electricity use. It provides free educational resources, practical tools and access to optional renewable energy buyers’ groups facilitated by Trio.

This expansion is designed to ensure suppliers in the new regions can get market-specific guidance that aligns with European frameworks like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

The initiative now operates across all 27 EU member states, the UK, Turkey and Morocco. These areas contain several high-growth automotive manufacturing hubs, and each region receives engagement based on local energy markets and supplier maturity.

“Collaboration continues to be the path forward when it comes to advancing supply chain efficiency through decarbonisation objectives,” Joey adds. 

Advancing shared sustainability ambitions

Programme sponsors include major automotive players such as Cummins, Ford, GM, Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, Magna and Toyota Motor North America. The expansion reflects a multi-year commitment by these manufacturers to support their suppliers through the ongoing energy transition.

Ahmed Elganzouri, Global Director, Sustainability and Energy at Magna, explains: "As Magna works toward its long-term decarbonisation goals, renewable energy remains a key focus across all our regions.

“The expansion of Transform: Auto into Europe strengthens the collaboration needed to support suppliers in navigating regional renewable energy pathways and advancing our shared sustainability ambitions.”

Ford also highlights the importance of coordinated industry action.

“Ford is proud to invest in Transform: Auto, which provides suppliers with tailored guidance and expert support to help them reach carbon-neutrality targets,” says Liz Door, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Ford. 

"It’s a testament to Ford’s belief in the power of collaboration.”

Creating a resilient and cleaner supply chain

General Motors, which has a reported 140 Tier 1 suppliers in Europe, pointed to the programme’s systemic impact on the supply chain ecosystem.

Cassandra Garber, GM Chief Sustainability Officer, says: “Automotive suppliers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) unite for zero-emissions action. We’re supporting the expansion of the Transform: Auto programme to Europe because the road to a zero-emission future is built on collaboration.”

Cassandra explained that when suppliers can improve efficiency and use reliable, cost-effective electricity, the entire supply chain benefits.

She says: “When suppliers produce more with less energy and reliable, cost-effective electricity, the entire supply chain becomes stronger. They can lower operating costs, improve electricity volatility, and reduce risk – plus create new jobs and tax revenue in the communities where they operate.”

She also emphasised that the programme “meets suppliers where they do business, offering practical tools and pathways so they can navigate renewable energy decisions with more clarity and confidence”.