German automotive supplier GEDIA and Tata Steel Nederland sign letter of intent

Tata Steel Nederland has signed a letter of intent with GEDIA Automotive Group to supply a significant volume of steel with a lower environmental footprint in the long term. The German automotive supplier develops and manufactures lightweight body and chassis components for many of the world's leading car manufacturers. This agreement will help GEDIA to decarbonise its value chain, supporting its customers in their efforts to produce more sustainable cars and trucks.

Initially, Tata Steel intends to supply GEDIA with  Zeremis Carbon Lite - a steel with a carbon footprint reduced by up to 90 percent1. The plan is to switchto fully green Zeremis steel when the new steelmaking route is introduced at the steel plant in IJmuiden, the Netherlands. To further decarbonise GEDIA's value chain in the short term, the companies have also agreed to explore ways to reduce emissions associated with steel transport.

"This Memorandum of Understanding stands out for its long-term nature and scope. It reflects GEDIA's strong commitment to promoting sustainability in the automotive sector and demonstrates confidence in Tata Steel's Green Steel Plan," emphasises Heather Wijdekop, Commercial Director of Tata Steel IJmuiden. "We cannot decarbonise the industry and its value chains overnight, even though the need is obvious. Zeremi's Carbon Lite therefore offers a transitional solution until green steel actually becomes available. We share GEDIA's ambitions and are pleased to contribute to their goals, taking our almost 15-year partnership to a new level. By working together with partners from our value chain, we can accelerate the transition to green steel."

Klaus Bierwirth, Chief Commercial Officer and Member of the Executive Board of the GEDIA Automotive Group, adds: "GEDIA joined the initiative of various car manufacturers years ago. We are committed to the Paris Climate Agreement and are aiming for CO2 neutrality by 2032. To achieve this, a company like ours not only needs the necessary technologies, but also a promising partner at its side. We have found this in Tata Steel. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding is testament to many years of trusting cooperation and also marks the beginning of a significant new path towards climate neutrality."

Source and Photo: GEDIA / Tata Steel in Europe