Most of the world’s major car manufacturers have set a carbon neutrality target, with most setting a target date of 2050. Other manufacturers have put forward net-zero carbon emission targets or net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions target. 

The 18 studied manufacturers have widely varying levels of emissions, and more than half of them have published historic data that allows the tracking of their emissions data over time. Where such data is available, about half of the studied companies seem to have increased their total emissions, although there are notable exceptions.

EU regulations on CO2 emission standards for new cars and light vehicles ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the EU from 2035. Mitsubishi has already committed to this requirement in its sustainability report (several companies had also committed to this target in their previous reports). Other companies set 2030 targets for partially electrifying their fleet.

Cullen International’s new benchmark summarises the sustainability targets put in place by major car manufacturers.

The benchmark covers:

• whether the companies have set a target year to reach carbon neutrality;
• whether the target includes scope 3 (indirect) emissions;
• the current level of emissions compared to the target base year; and
• some further details behind the targets and plans, such as the proportion of electrified vehicles manufactured.

Scope
Region: Global
Companies covered: 18 major car manufacturers 
Policy area: Sustainability, Environmental
Last updated: August 2026

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