The major objectives of an Automotive product development process include continuous improvements in quality, safety and reducing environmental impact throughout the vehicle's life cycle. Achieving these objectives in a cost-effective and efficient way enables automotive manufacturers to maximize consumer value.  There are several environmental laws in different regions that have a direct impact on the global automotive industry. The concept of managing environmental impact throughout a vehicle's life has generated a new dimension in the automotive industry's green compliance initiatives.

The End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive makes it mandatory for 3 & 4-wheeler manufacturers to reduce the wastes   generated by vehicles at end-of-life and also improve waste recycling. The directive was initiated by the European Union where auto manufacturers had to track re-usability, re-coverability and re-cyclability of each material used in the vehicle. This law soon had global impact with the introduction of the Korea, Japan, China, and US versions of ELV. The impact of ELV was primarily on the Automobile manufacturer, but even importers, direct suppliers, sub-contractors and contract electronic and electrical manufacturers are required to have accurate material information on the products they manufacture