Toyota, Ford and Volkswagen have been cited by Calvert Investments for leadership in environmental and human rights practices.
Calvert Investments offers investors choices for sustainable and responsible investments. It recently issued the Calvert Investments Sustainability Performance Review - Automotive Industry. Toyota Motor Corporation was recognized for leadership in environmental policies and practices; Ford Motor Company was recognized for human rights and supply chain impacts through the development of strong workplace policies, and Volkswagen AG was recognized for leading product quality and safety practices.
Calvert reviewed the environment, social and governance practices, taking into consideration workplace practices, human rights, indigenous peoples' rights, governance and ethics, product quality and safety, community relations and environment.
Calvert included Ford and G.M., Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW in the review.
"Global automakers are making major strides in the right direction on several key issues. This is an encouraging development that reflects the emergence of more thoughtful industry leaders who recognize the environment, social and corporate governance considerations are now essential," says Rebecca Henson, Calvert sustainability analyst.
The review found that despite the recent economic turmoil, the American auto industry has emerged with a fundamentally different and more positive approach to sustainability, more focused on making cleaner, more efficient vehicles, and less resistant to more aggressive fuel economy and emissions standards.
The review also found that the industry appears more focused on vehicle safety particularly in light of recent acceleration problems.