Lesson 6: AUTOMOTIVE CASE STUDIES: PSA SLOVAKIA

In this lesson, we will delve into a case study of PSA Slovakia, exploring their commitment to environmental sustainability and their contributions to the automotive industry.

Introduction to PSA Slovakia

  • PSA Slovakia is part of the Stellantis Group, a prominent player in the global automotive industry.
  • The focus of this case study is on PSA Slovakia’s production center located in Trnava, Slovakia.
  • PSA Slovakia’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility plays a pivotal role in their operations.

Minimizing Environmental Impact

  • Car production inherently has an environmental impact, but PSA Slovakia strives to minimize it.
  • The paint shop is a crucial production process with significant environmental implications.
  • It is governed by the law on integrated pollution prevention and control, primarily due to emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), wastewater generation, and hazardous waste production.
  • PSA Slovakia has adopted water-dilutable paints in Trnava to reduce environmental effects.
  • A physicochemical wastewater treatment plant is employed to clean wastewater from surface treatment and painting processes, effectively precipitating heavy metals in the form of sludge.
  • Biological wastewater treatment is carried out on-site at the production center.
  • Sludge from wastewater treatment undergoes further evaluation.
  • Water-saving measures and the implementation of Best Available Techniques (BAT) technology have significantly reduced water consumption to 0.94 m³ per car, making PSA Slovakia one of the most water-efficient plants within the PSA Groupe.
  • Energy management measures have led to a reduction in energy consumption to 470 kWh per vehicle, positioning PSA Slovakia as one of the least energy-intensive companies in the PSA Group.
  • In terms of emissions of volatile organic substances, PSA Slovakia achieves levels below 20g/m², ranking among the top 3 best plants.

Awards and Recognitions

  • The Stellantis Group has allocated a new segment B production program to its Trnava production center.
  • This decision reflects the exceptional performance of the production center, driven by the transformational project “Future in our hands.”
  • PSA Slovakia’s commitment to economic performance and client quality led to their selection as the leader of the Stellantis group in these domains.
  • A four-year collective agreement with the trade union organization OZ KOVO contributed significantly to securing the new production program.
  • This agreement ensures predictability and supports competitiveness.
  • The production of fully electric motors is a key part of the new program, aligning with efforts to increase carbon neutrality.
  • The Trnava team will intensively work on this project, driving innovation, Industry 4.0 technologies, energy efficiency, and environmental protection.
  • Innovations, digitization, and reduced energy consumption enhance long-term competitiveness and contribute to the green economy.
  • A dedicated technology center team called InoLab manages these projects.

Engagement with the Slovak Government

  • Active communication with the Slovak government played a crucial role in securing investments in Trnava.
  • Collaborative efforts aimed to improve the business environment in Slovakia, further strengthening PSA Slovakia’s commitment to the region and the automotive industry.

Conclusion

  • PSA Slovakia’s case study demonstrates their dedication to sustainability, innovation, and environmental responsibility in the automotive sector.
  • Their initiatives, including the adoption of BAT technologies, energy efficiency measures, and carbon-neutral production, set a benchmark for environmental stewardship in the industry.
  • PSA Slovakia serves as an inspiring example of how the automotive sector can contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
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