The KS Automobile Club e.V. has awarded the 43rd KS Energy and Environmental Prize in Munich. In this year's edition of the traditional award, the club honored Continental and Siemens for their innovative, pioneering contributions to sustainable mobility. To make mobility sustainable for people and the climate, the entire transport sector must undergo a transformation. However, this transformation requires commitment, courage, and above all, innovative strength, according to the club. Climate change, along with economic aspects and changing markets, will strongly challenge the mobility sector in Germany in the coming years.
“New solutions and innovative ways of thinking are needed that address both the realities of people's lives and the environmental and climate requirements. Major advances in vehicle technology, new, intelligently networked types of mobility, as well as intelligent and automated traffic planning in urban and rural areas alike, will be more in demand than ever. Only in this way can the future be created,” says Ole Eilers, President of the KS Automobile Club e.V. and organizer of the KS Energy and Environmental Prize.
Germany's third-largest automobile club has been focusing on innovations for energy savings and emissions reduction since 1981. In doing so, the club considers itself one of the pioneers for more environmental and climate protection in the transport sector, having already made a name for itself early
on.
Continental award winner in the vehicle technology category
In the vehicle technology category, the 43rd KS Energy and Environmental Prize is awarded to Continental this year. The tire manufacturer has launched the UltraContact NXT, its most sustainable production tire to date. With up to 65 percent renewable, recycled, and ISCC (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) PLUS mass balance certified materials, it offers a high proportion of sustainable materials. The share of renewable materials is up to 32 percent. Recycled materials make up to five percent.
Combining safety and performance
Furthermore, Continental sources up to 28 percent ISCC PLUS mass balance certified materials from biological, bio-circular, and circular raw materials. The tire, available in 19 sizes, offers both safety and performance and scores in EU tire label evaluations in rolling resistance, wet braking, and external noise. For years, Continental has been driving innovative technologies and sustainable solutions along the entire value chain—from sourcing sustainable materials to recycling old tires. By 2050 at the latest, all Continental's new tires are intended to be made from 100 percent sustainable materials. The UltraContact NXT is an important step for the tire manufacturer to achieve the ambitious sustainability goals.
“This production tire is a clear proof for us that Continental is working intensively to advance innovative technologies and sustainable solutions along the entire value
chain. Especially considering that every car—regardless of its drive type—needs tires today and in the future, the impact of this innovation is particularly significant,” the expert jury justifies their decision for this year's KS Energy and Environmental Prize in the vehicle technology category.
Siemens award winner in the mobility systems category
The prize in the mobility systems category will be awarded to Siemens in 2025. With DepotFinity, the company has developed a cloud-based software solution that monitors, documents, plans, and manages the operation of charging infrastructures for electric vehicles in depots. Through the efficient organization of charging processes, DepotFinity contributes to optimizing energy consumption, leading to energy savings and a reduction in CO2 emissions. Transport companies, municipalities, and businesses can reduce operating costs, optimize energy consumption, and contribute to achieving climate goals thanks to DepotFinity. Moreover, the operating processes are made more efficient through the automated and data-based control of the charging processes. In addition to the optimized processes and resource savings, the KS expert jury also regarded the flexibility and scalability of the concept as a significant advantage in their decision-making.
“DepotFinity can be adapted and applied to various urban as well as regional contexts. From small fleets to large urban transport companies, the system can cater to different requirements and support various charging infrastructures and vehicle types. In
this, we see a great advantage in Siemens' innovative system,” the expert jury explains regarding their decision on the winner in the mobility systems category.
Germany can innovate
The automobile club believes that Germany has repeatedly proven its ability to innovate. This will be particularly needed in the German automotive industry in the coming years. On one hand, climate change is arriving quickly and with full force. Just last month, a joint report from the EU climate service Copernicus and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) stated that Europe is the fastest-warming continent and the impacts of climate change are manifesting in “heat stress” days or increasingly frequent extreme weather events in the form of floods or inundations, according to the club.
Transport sector must reduce emissions
The transport sector is one of the contributors to this. On the other hand, the automotive industry in Germany is under economic pressure: China is beginning to roll out its electric fleets worldwide, and the US is disrupting global trade with its tariff policies. But locally, people are increasingly feeling the need for clear improvements in mobility.
“There is a great need for action here. However, we are convinced that the turnaround towards smart, sustainable mobility will succeed. The innovations from our award winners make us optimistic this year as well,” summarizes Ole Eilers.
