2Sustain

Supply chains for automotive parts and components are now global, interconnected, and incredibly complex. So, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for automakers to keep current with prevailing local laws and stay true to their corporate responsibility goals.

Fortunately, help is on the way.

Yesterday, several major automotive manufacturers, including Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company, General Motors Company, Honda of America Mfg., Inc., and Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., launched a new corporate responsibility web site at the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG).

The AIAG corporate responsibility web site (http://cr.aiag.org) is publicly accessible and was developed as a global resource for information that’s critical for automakers and their supply base. The idea is to promote “harmonized corporate responsibility practices throughout the global supply chain,” and as their first priority, automakers are tackling the issue of working conditions training.

So far, the AIAG corporate responsibility web site includes:

• tools for self-assessments
• planning templates to facilitate cascading of the message
• education and training for lower tier suppliers
• direct links to other Corporate Responsibility programs and performance expectations from Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, and Toyota

“Ensuring good workplace conditions is not only the right thing to do, but also has an impact on improving workplace performance and long-term sustainability for the industry,” says Monique Oxender, Ford Executive Loan.

I agree. The human component of automotive supply chains is the industry’s most important resource, and it’s vital that automakers ensure that individuals throughout their supplier networks are working in safe and otherwise compliant conditions and are treated with dignity and respect. Companies that choose to ignore these issues are risking not only their operations, but their reputations, as well.