Change is brewing in the automotive industry: Mercedes-Benz is considering dropping glue when assembling some car components. The German automaker is seriously weighing a return to screw fastenings—once replaced by modern methods—in its designs. The move aims to make vehicles more eco-friendly, easier to repair, and to cut down on waste that is difficult to recycle.
As part of the Tomorrow XX program, the company’s engineers are studying ways to reduce material use and make parts easier to disassemble. One of the first measures is changing how headlight lenses are attached. Instead of glue, the transparent, intricately shaped element will now be secured with screws. This method allows for quick replacement of damaged parts without touching the whole headlamp assembly. It saves resources and makes things easier for car owners: if the lens breaks, simply unscrew a few bolts and fit the new part.
Rethinking standards
In recent decades, car manufacturers have widely adopted adhesive bonding, viewing it as lighter and more advanced technology. This helped reduce vehicle weight, leading to lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. However, in practice, such solutions are not always beneficial for the environment. For example, if a headlight sealed with glue gets damaged, service technicians have to replace the entire unit, not just the broken part. As a result, more components end up in landfill than would have with a modular design.
Moreover, recycling such modules becomes a major challenge for disposal companies. Glue makes it harder to separate materials, complicating their reuse. In the end, despite good intentions, the environmental footprint only increases.
Repairability makes a comeback
Car owners have long complained that modern vehicles are increasingly difficult to repair. In many cases, it’s easier to replace entire assemblies rather than fix individual parts. This issue is especially acute for premium brands, where repairs and spare parts are traditionally expensive. Mercedes-Benz now appears to be listening to its customers, taking steps to support those who value self-service and cost savings.
The company is also exploring alternative methods for attaching other interior components. For instance, soft door panels (door cards) may in the future be fixed not with ultrasonic welding, but with thermoplastic rivets. These rivets can be easily drilled out, allowing for quick disassembly of the panel for repairs or for separating materials for recycling at the end of the car’s life cycle.
Environmental aspect
The introduction of new fastening methods is part of Mercedes-Benz’s global strategy to reduce environmental impact. The company aims not only to cut emissions during vehicle operation but also to make cars easier to dismantle for recycling. The simpler it is to take a car apart, the more likely its materials will be recycled rather than end up in a landfill.
Engineers point out that returning to screws and rivets does not mean abandoning innovation. It’s about finding a balance between technology, environmental responsibility, and convenience for the end user. In the coming years, new Mercedes-Benz models incorporating these solutions are expected to arrive on the market.
In case you didn’t know, Mercedes-Benz is one of the oldest and most respected automakers in the world. Founded in Germany in 1926, the company is renowned for its innovations in safety, design, and technology. The brand is part of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and produces passenger cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. For decades, Mercedes-Benz has set the standard for quality and comfort in the automotive industry, while actively pursuing environmental initiatives and advanced engineering solutions.
