State Department Adjusts Armored Vehicle Procurement Strategy

Following initial plans to purchase armored Teslas, the State Department has broadened its approach to include various armored electric vehicles, reflecting a shift in procurement strategy.

Link:https://www.theverge.com/news/612017/tesla-armored-cybertrucks-order-state-department

An interview with Meron, Corporate Sustainability Program Manager, Isoclima Group

In today’s complex global landscape, sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a mandate. Environmental urgency, social inequality, and shifting economic models demand a new kind of leadership—one that aligns business success with broader impact. At Isoclima, this transformation is embodied by Meron, Corporate Sustainability Program Manager, who is leading the Group’s ESG evolution with pragmatism, passion, and purpose.

Meron brings a rare blend of technical expertise, strategic acumen, and human sensibility to a role that sits at the intersection of vision and execution. “Sustainability isn’t a parallel activity—it’s a business imperative,” she states. “It means ensuring people’s well-being, safeguarding the planet, and strengthening performance. These aren’t separate goals—they’re interconnected drivers of long-term value.”

Within a year, Meron has contributed significantly to strengthening Isoclima’s ESG strategy and advancing the integration of ESG principles across its global operations. She played a key role in managing projects related to CSRD preparedness and led initiatives to improve the company’s performance on external ESG rating platforms, resulting in enhanced scores. Importantly, she has worked to embed sustainability not only into strategic planning but also into the company’s culture and day-to-day decision-making.

“My role is inherently cross-functional. I work with HR on wellbeing initiatives, with HSE and Quality on environmental KPIs, with Legal for compliance, and with Procurement to build a more responsible supply chain,” she explains. “But more than anything, it’s about creating shared ownership. Sustainability only works when everyone is involved.”

Her mission goes beyond compliance—it’s about transformation. From decarbonization and circularity to stakeholder engagement and internal awareness, Meron is positioning Isoclima to lead not only through product excellence but through values. “We’re shifting from reactive to proactive. We’re not just following regulations—we’re aiming to set the pace, turning challenges into opportunities.”

Meron’s background reflects a clear alignment of purpose and expertise. A Civil Engineer by training, she later pursued an MBA in green energy and sustainable businesses, equipping herself with the tools to shape impactful change. “I wanted my work to make sense—to drive value both for the company and for society,” she reflects. “Sustainability offered the perfect convergence between my technical background and my future-focused vision.”

As Isoclima accelerates its ESG journey, several key priorities have emerged:

            •           Strengthening ESG governance across all sites

            •           Defining group-wide KPIs and targets

            •           Promoting local partnerships for social impact

            •           Fostering a sustainability-driven internal culture

One of Meron’s current initiatives is the development of a global network of ESG ambassadors—cross-functional representatives who act as catalysts for sustainability in every business unit. “Sustainability is not a solo act—it’s a mindset. And to scale it, we need a distributed model of leadership.”

She also sees technology as a vital enabler. “AI and advanced analytics allow us to optimize environmental performance at scale. But innovation must be inclusive and guided by ethics—otherwise we risk creating new inequalities.”

On occasions like Earth Day, Meron leads awareness campaigns that connect purpose with participation. “We don’t just mark a date—we use it as a platform to deepen understanding and build collective momentum.”

Looking ahead, her vision is bold yet grounded: to position Isoclima not only as a product leader, but as a sustainability innovator. “We want to be known not only for what we make—but how we make it. This means rethinking processes, empowering people, and redefining impact through a regenerative lens.”

With a voice that bridges engineering, business mindset and empathy, Meron is helping shape a new era for Isoclima—one where performance, responsibility, and ambition grow together. “The real challenge is not just doing better—but doing differently. And that’s where the future lies.”

For over 30 years, Isoclima has been working with Mercedes-Benz to provide high-quality armored glass designed to meet the most stringent market demands. Thanks to OmniArmor® technology, Isoclima has been offering advanced solutions for models in the Mercedes-Benz Guard family (G-Class Guard, S-Class Guard, Maybach Guard, and Pullman Guard). An excellent example of armored glass, equipped with a special integrated protection, it is designed to resist bullets, shrapnel, and extreme attacks, ensuring the highest level of safety and reliability in compliance with the highest standards of current regulations.

Safety First with Mercedes-Benz Guard

With a history spanning over thirty years, Mercedes-Benz is synonymous with high-quality armored vehicles. When it comes to armored glass, the Guard series from the Star brand, designed for heads of state, public figures, and entrepreneurs who require the highest level of security, represents excellence in the sector. The seventh generation of the S-Class, certified for maximum ballistic protection, offers a unique driving experience. The armored glass, despite being thinner than equivalent solutions available on the market, is designed to protect occupants from high-caliber bullets and explosions, guaranteeing safety and peace of mind in any situation, even in the most extreme.

Innovation and Security Certifications

In addition to the armor, the S-Class Guard offers glass with a multi-layered structure reinforced with polycarbonate shrapnel protection. The windows are not electric but pneumatic, ensuring perfect functionality and resistance. The Erv (Explosive Resistant Vehicles) certification guarantees compliance with the highest safety standards, while the use of Primus dummies allows for precise simulation of the effects of impacts and explosions on occupants. These dummies, developed through research and collaboration between the Berlin Polytechnic and the HTW University of Applied Sciences in Dresden, are extremely reliable in simulating the consequences of similar accidents. Isoclima is proud to have passed all required tests and certifications, with its product being an integral part of these highly innovative vehicles.

With Isoclima alongside Mercedes-Benz, safety becomes synonymous with innovation and quality, offering cutting-edge armored glass solutions for the most exclusive and prestigious vehicles.