Calvert names Toyota, VW, Ford ESG Champs

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Sustainable investment firm Calvert Investments has named Toyota, Ford and Volkswagen as models of environmentally and socially responsible business practice in a report.

The report "Calvert Investments Sustainability Performance Review – Automotive Industry", singled out Toyota as an example of environmental best practice and Ford as a model of human rights and workplace management. Volkswagen was praised for its safety record.

According to the report Toyota’s Earth Charter, launched in 1992, puts environmental concern “at the heart” of the company’s overall strategy. The Japanese company’s Prius is named in the report as the most fuel efficient vehicle currently on the market and as being emblematic of Toyota’s environmental leadership.

Calvert’s investment evaluation of auto companies took into consideration seven environmental and social governance criteria: Workplace practices; human rights; indigenous peoples’ rights; governance and ethics; product quality and safety; community relations; and environment. Along with Toyota, Ford and VW, General Motors and BMW were also evaluated in the report.

In September, Toyota unveiled new models and pricing for its iconic Prius family of hybrid cars.

The company announced a plug-in hybrid as well as the Prius V, a larger version of the original car.

Environment + Energy Leader