The Biomobility Center in Brazil, part of MAHLE’s global network, has successfully completed its first year of operation, launching eight key projects focused on biofuels and biomaterials. Situated at the company’s Tech Center in Jundiaí, São Paulo, this facility aims to harness South America’s expertise in renewable fuels to advance global mobility solutions.
Launched by the German automotive supplier as a step toward accelerating sustainable mobility worldwide, the center forged valuable partnerships with customers and research institutions over its first year. It also began facilitating the transfer of knowledge to North America and Asia.
Among the center’s projects are the development of cellulosic filter mediums and activated carbon derived from biomass, the creation of an Ethanol Power Cell Unit to enhance flex-fuel engine efficiency, and the evaluation of advanced biodiesel’s effect on heavy-duty engine performance. In addition, a multi-fuel medium-duty engine designed to run on biomethane and ethanol was developed.
Half of the center’s projects are being carried out in collaboration with Brazilian research institutes and benefit from support through government programs such as MOVER, Embrapii, and FAPEMIG. The center also engages in direct partnerships with original equipment manufacturers, automotive suppliers, and energy companies.
Arnd Franz, CEO of MAHLE, emphasized the importance of rapidly scaling sustainable fuels globally to combat climate change. He advocates for increasing biofuel blending ratios worldwide, aiming to reach over 20% renewable fuel consumption by 2030, a goal aligned with emission reduction targets. Brazil’s leadership in biofuel production and its successful policies—ranging from mandates to financial incentives—make it a prime location for biofuel innovation, setting an example for other nations.
The center also keeps a close watch on global biofuel adoption trends, collaborating with governments and industry stakeholders in countries such as India, Thailand, and Japan. This aligns with MAHLE’s broader strategy, which focuses on electrification, thermal management, and the development of sustainable internal combustion engines powered by renewable fuels like hydrogen, synthetic fuels, and biofuels.
Founded in 1920, MAHLE is a global leader in automotive parts manufacturing, and the company has increasingly focused on sustainable mobility solutions as the automotive sector transitions toward a more environmentally-friendly future.
