Volkswagen México Pushes Supplier Sustainability at Puebla Plant

Volkswagen de México convened a strategic forum with 123 supplier companies to strengthen sustainability across its value chain. The event, jointly organized by the Governance, Risk and Compliance, Sustainability and Procurement teams, was held at the company’s Puebla plant, where the Jetta, Tiguan and Taos models are produced.

Company officials highlighted the Puebla facility itself as a benchmark of Volkswagen de México’s commitment to low-emissions technologies. Opened in 1967 and long regarded as a hub of automotive innovation, the plant now operates a fully electric paint shop. The facility has reached a production capacity of up to 1,200 vehicle bodies per day while eliminating the use of natural gas and reducing 29,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually. High-efficiency systems have also cut energy consumption per vehicle by 22%.

Sustainability requirements are also embedded in the company’s supplier selection and evaluation processes. Since 2019, Volkswagen de México has used a dedicated assessment tool to evaluate suppliers’ sustainability performance before entering into commercial relationships. The process includes a self-assessment questionnaire and, when necessary, on-site audits to verify compliance with standards covering human rights, labor conditions, occupational health and safety, environmental management and business ethics.

Suppliers must meet defined thresholds to obtain a satisfactory sustainability rating. According to the company, 89% of its supplier base currently holds a positive sustainability score under the program. Volkswagen said the framework enhances transparency and consistency while promoting continuous improvement across its supplier network.

The Puebla forum comes two months after Volkswagen de México launched a three-pronged strategy focused on ecological conservation and emissions reduction across all stages of vehicle production and its supply chain. Holger Nestler, president and CEO, Volkswagen de México, said the company is targeting carbon-neutral operations across all phases by 2050, supported by interim milestones.

“The reduction of emissions in the automotive industry is not an isolated effort but a continuous process that requires commitment and collaboration,” Nestler said. “The transformation of the sector in Mexico is advancing through initiatives that balance innovation and environmental responsibility. The focus should not only be on the destination, but on the path toward more sustainable mobility.”