Toyota

Leading automotive company in 2008 global Accountability Rating

Toyota is the highest-scoring company in the automotive sector.

It has recently identified hybrids as a core technology that will contribute to the solution of environmental issues and is clearly demonstrating leadership in this area. Toyota is also researching the application of a number of other technologies such as design for recycling, bio ethanol and plug-in cars.

Toyota’s leadership position regarding the provision of mainstream low impact/hybrid vehicles also enables the company to play a significant role in driving the sector to address the key issue of replacing existing high-impact vehicles.

It is a lead company in the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) 'Mobility for Development' Working Group and was also involved in the Sustainable Mobility Project.

Toyota created a new CSR and Environmental Affairs division in 2007, bringing together the Environmental Affairs Division and Recycling Planning department with the new CSR division. In its reporting, Toyota outlines how this department is linked to other relevant departments such as Corporate Planning, Corporate Citizenship, Human Resources and Global Purchasing Planning. This is excellent evidence of a clear understanding of the cross-cutting nature of issues and responses required.

Another strong point of Toyota’s reporting is the detailed disclosure of its Environmental Action Plan. This outlines in detail specific actions and goals for Toyota’s main impact areas.