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Digital Technologies to Support Sustainable Consumption: An Overview of the Automotive Industry

Author

Listed:
  • Silvia Avasilcăi

    (Department of Engineering and Management, Faculty of Industrial Design and Business Management, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, 700050 Iasi, Romania)

  • Mihaela Brîndușa Tudose

    (Department of Engineering and Management, Faculty of Industrial Design and Business Management, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, 700050 Iasi, Romania)

  • George Victor Gall

    (Doctoral School, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, 700050 Iasi, Romania)

  • Andreea-Gabriela Grădinaru

    (Doctoral School, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, 700050 Iasi, Romania)

  • Bogdan Rusu

    (Department of Engineering and Management, Faculty of Industrial Design and Business Management, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, 700050 Iasi, Romania)

  • Elena Avram

    (Department of Engineering and Management, Faculty of Industrial Design and Business Management, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, 700050 Iasi, Romania)

Abstract

Having in view the current global disruptive social and economic landscape, sustainability becomes more important than ever. As producers become more concerned about adopting more sustainable practices, customer awareness towards sustainable behavior must be the focus of all stakeholders. Within this context, the SHIFT framework (proposed in 2019) highlights the manner in which consumers’ traits and attitudes influence their propensity towards sustainable consumption. It consists of five factors considered to be relevant to consumer behavior: Social influence, Habit formation, Individual self, Feelings and cognition, and Tangibility. Different from previous studies, this research focuses on applying the SHIFT framework to the automotive industry, taking into consideration the contribution of digital technologies to fostering sustainable consumer behavior throughout the entire product lifecycle. Using a qualitative research approach, the most relevant digital technologies in the automotive industry were identified and mapped in relation to the three phases of consumption (choice, usage, and disposal). The research aimed to develop and test an original conceptual framework, starting from the SHIFT. The results of the study highlight the fact that the digital technologies, in their diversity, are integrated in different ways into each of the three phases, facilitating the adoption of sustainable consumption. To achieve sustainability, the two key stakeholders, consumers and producers, should share a common ground on capitalizing the opportunities offered by digital technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Silvia Avasilcăi & Mihaela Brîndușa Tudose & George Victor Gall & Andreea-Gabriela Grădinaru & Bogdan Rusu & Elena Avram, 2025. "Digital Technologies to Support Sustainable Consumption: An Overview of the Automotive Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-29, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:15:p:7047-:d:1716652
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    References listed on IDEAS

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