• GlobalData’s Filing Analytics platform identified that around 58% of vehicle manufacturers discussed electric vehicles in 2020, while mentions of sustainability rose by around 57% in 2020 compared to 2019
• Sustainability-related M&A and PE/VC deal volumes in the automotive sector increased by more than 50% in 2020
• Eco-mobility weighs on hiring activity

Sustainability will remain a key strategic agenda for automotive companies in 2021 and beyond, with over 75% of vehicle manufacturers focused on sustainability in 2020, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. Pirelli & C. SpA, Audi AG and Volkswagen AG were the top companies with mentions of ‘sustainability’ in their filing documents in 2020.

Rinaldo Pereira, Senior Business Fundamentals Analyst at GlobalData, says: “Several GlobalData surveys in 2020 found that consumers continued to be more environmentally conscious, which is undoubtedly influencing how companies move forward with this theme. In the automotive sector, Internet of Things (IoT), sustainability and electric vehicles (EVs) continue to be on top of the agendas for automotive companies. *Global production of EVs is likely to reach 7.6 million units by 2025, and tightening regulations are likely to force companies to focus on large-scale investments in sustainability and EVs, or face uphill challenges in the future.”

Srobon Banerjee, Practice Head, ESG at GlobalData, comments: “The EV market has the potential to facilitate clear environmental benefits, coupled with steady and sustainable growth. Hence, even contemporary environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) reporting frameworks, such as Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) is also encouraging corporations to report about topics such as Fuel Economy & Use-phase Emissions. Sustainability in general has gained traction in recent times due to regulatory and technical advancements, enhanced social awareness and investor preferences. These have been the major drivers in redirecting the flow of capital from conventional to sustainable automotive businesses.”

An analysis of GlobalData’s Financial Deals database revealed that deal-making sentiments in the sustainability space also remained upbeat, which otherwise remained mostly subdued in other areas during COVID-hit 2020. This itself showcases the growing relevance of sustainability. Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and PE/VC sustainability-related deal volume in the automotive sector increased by more than 50% in 2020 compared to 2019. Moreover, 2021 also started on a stronger note with the announcement of some of the high-value transactions (such as US$2.65bn raised by Rivian Automotive in January 2021) already making the headlines.

David Leggett, Automotive Analyst at GlobalData, said: “These findings confirm what we are seeing in the automotive industry globally. As we emerge from the pandemic, the automotive industry is heading in a greener direction with sustainability as a key driver and theme. Not only are we seeing increasing pressures from the market and regulators tilting the industry rapidly towards electric cars, but manufacturers are seeking to reduce their carbon footprints wherever possible and examining activity all along the value chain.”

GlobalData’s Job Analytics database also identified rising job postings for electric vehicles. For example, Hyundai has sped up its eco-mobility hiring, while Apple has also stepped up hiring for its future electric car.

Pereira adds: “Another rising trend in the auto sector is the hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). Mentions of FCEVs and related keywords in all filings rose by around 10% in 2020.”

By 2040, GlobalData expects passenger cars to be the most prominent new application of hydrogen**.

Pereira concludes: “Initiatives by Ford and Land Rover to go all electric in specific regions in the next few years is commendable. Long-term sustainability strategies are necessary for auto companies to regain trust amid several emission scandals, while also avoiding governance laggards.”

*GlobalData’s Global Sector Overview & Forecast: Electrified vehicles, published January 2021

**GlobalData’s report: Thematic Research: Hydrogen, published June 2020