Supplier Soundbytes with CCO of Covestro: Why cars are becoming material experiences

Autology is a podcast series from Mobility Global (formerly S&P Global Mobility), bringing you key intelligence from across the automotive supply chain. Autology features interviews with supply chain executives and Mobility Global experts to help you stay on top of the trends you need to know--and the decisions you need to make--in the near future.

In this episode of Supplier Soundbytes, Mobility Global’s bite-sized Autology podcast series, we explore how innovation is reshaping the future of mobility - and why materials are becoming central to the next phase of automotive transformation.

The automotive industry is under pressure from all sides. Automakers must deliver vehicles that are lighter, smarter, safer and more sustainable, while also responding to accelerating electrification, changing customer expectations and the need for more resilient, circular supply chains. These challenges cannot be solved through engineering excellence alone. They require new levels of collaboration across the value chain, earlier engagement between suppliers and OEMs, and fresh thinking about how materials can support performance, design, sustainability and user experience all at once.

To discuss these shifts, we are joined by Monique Buch, Chief Commercial Officer at Covestro, a global leader in high-performance polymer materials. Covestro works closely with automotive manufacturers and suppliers to develop advanced material solutions that support vehicle design, durability, safety and lower-carbon production.

Monique explains why the industry must move beyond treating lightweighting, sustainability, safety and design as separate priorities. Instead, the greatest opportunities will come from integrated solutions that solve multiple challenges simultaneously. She also discusses what true co-innovation looks like, why suppliers need to be involved earlier in the development process, and how advanced materials are helping redefine the in-vehicle experience - from acoustics and lighting to comfort, touch and perceived quality.

Finally, the episode looks ahead to circularity as a business imperative. Monique highlights the need for system-level collaboration across OEMs, suppliers, recyclers and material producers to build future-ready value chains capable of supporting the next generation of mobility.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Reach out to us at autology@mobilityglobal.com

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