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Catena-X: The Automotive Data Space

The collaborative, open data space for the automotive industry — a standardized, sovereign way for car makers and their suppliers to exchange data across the value chain, and the first large operational example of the data-space vision.

Updated
2026-06-14

Overview

Catena-X is the collaborative, open data space — a shared data ecosystem — for the automotive industry. It gives car makers and their suppliers a standardized, sovereign way to exchange data across the value chain, so each company keeps control of its own data while still sharing what is needed.

It is the first large, operational example of the broader data-space vision (Manufacturing-X), and a likely channel for automotive Digital Product Passports.

Key point

Catena-X is not a single database. It is a network of standards and rules that let automotive companies exchange data peer to peer while keeping sovereignty over it.

How it is built

Foundations
Built on Gaia-X principles and International Data Spaces architecture for trustworthy, sovereign exchange.
Data models
Uses standardized data models, including Asset Administration Shell submodels.
Governance
A non-profit association defines the standards; a separate operating company runs the live network and marketplace.

What it is used for

Catena-X supports a range of cross-company use cases:

  • Supply-chain transparency and traceability
  • CO2 and product carbon footprint
  • Circular economy and recycling
  • Quality
  • Material and substance compliance data

How it relates

Catena-X is the automotive instance of the data space idea, carrying data in standardized Asset Administration Shell submodels. It is a likely channel for automotive Digital Product Passports, including the battery passport and passports linked to the End-of-Life Vehicles rules.

Note: general educational information from the Pareo team, not legal advice. Check the official source before relying on it.

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Related entries

data spaceautomotivesupply chaininteroperability