The case explains the nature of the new European directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and its challenges/weaknesses. It explains how the directive will impact all business functions on a large scale. Companies need to understand what this impact will have on their product portfolio and market position in the different countries.

Mercedes-Benz and Swatch create a new company, MCC, to build a revolutionary car for cities: the Smart. They also have to invent a new form of organization in the process.