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In the past there has been a concentration on performing LCAs of car components. Based on the increasing experience and know-how gained in the past by performing LCAs of car components truck designers get the chance to make a statement about the ecological impact of each alternative. The most significant difference between LCAs of car and truck components is the use phase. This paper describes a Life-Cycle-Assessment (LCA) of different air deflection systems made of composite materials. The actually used system is produced by Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) while a possible alternative could be made out of Sheet Molding Compound (SMC). The calculations have shown that there exists a potential to improve the ecological profiles of composite components by replacing glass fibers with natural fibers.

The approach of Life-Cycle Engineering (LCE) investigates technical, environmental and economical aspects of products and technologies to analyze weak points and optimization potentials as well as to support product and technology development. The use and the possibilities of LCE will be demonstrated with the example of three-way catalyst systems.

Car manufacturers spend steadily increasing efforts to design cars in such a way that material selection, production steps, use and recycling, respectively disposal, fulfill environmental expectations and requirements to an optimal, best known extent. The additional application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for car design supports a better and virtually “objective” understanding about resource consumption and environmental impacts during the complete life cycle of cars. Thus, LCA opens a high potential to contribute for future cars to improve them in terms of ecology as well as with regard to technological and even economic aspects. Holistic Life Cycle Costing (LCC) can hereby serve in a useful complementary manner. Co-operating with experienced partners and taking part in the development of LCA standards, Mercedes-Benz is developing LCA as a supporting tool for vehicle design.