The VT Group Sustainability Awards 2025 called for applications from group companies for their sustainability initiatives and awarded companies with outstanding achievements.
For the third edition of the Awards, the Sustainability Committee secretariat set "Initiatives to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions" as the key theme. Two companies - HONDA CARS TOKAI and MASTER AUTOMOCION - were selected for the Sustainability Award, while four companies - SHIZUOKA NISSAN, MIKAWA NISSAN, MOTOREN SHIZUOKA, and KOYO AUTO - were recognized as Special Award Recipients.
【HONDA CARS TOKAI】
HONDA CARS TOKAI promotes diverse sustainability initiatives closely connected to its business operations, with a focus on reducing environmental impact and coexisting with local communities. The company advances both improvements to existing operations and new initiatives as it strives to become a company expected and valued by its stakeholders.
◇Specific initiatives
- Electrification of company vehicles: introduced N-VAN e: , reducing CO2 by 4,652.8 kg per year at all the 32 stores.
- Energy-efficient vending machines for customers: some of stores reduced operational emissions to zero virtually using non-fossil certificates.
- Installation of solar panels: Generating 53,612 kWh annually and reducing CO2 by 26,806 kg at Nanyo and Nagara-kita stores.
- Rooftop greening: 308 m² of the showroom rooftop at Nanyo store was greened, reducing CO2 by 2,864 kg annually and improving air conditioning load by heat insulation.
- Heat-shielding window film: installed on the showroom glass at Nagara-kita store, with expected reduction of 47,369 kWh and 23,684 kg of CO₂ per year.
- Promotion of paperless operations and recycling: digitalization of various documents reduced 11,910 sheets and 4,049.4 kg of paper annually.
- Industry academia collaboration: educational programs were conducted with high schools and universities under the theme "Future Automotive Dealerships × SDGs."
◇Award comments
【MASTER AUTOMOCION】
"We are truly honored to have our initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions recognized through this award. Although our efforts may not be large in scale, we have been promoting these initiatives by integrating emission reduction with improvements in operational efficiency at our dealerships. Our entire team will continue working toward realization of a sustainable society and strive to remain a company expected and valued by our stakeholders and local communities for the future."
【MASTER AUTOMOCION】
MASTER AUTOMOCION is a Spain-based multi-brand automotive group that promotes a comprehensive sustainability strategy centered on environmental initiatives, talent development, community contributions, and the advancement of diversity.
◇Specific initiatives
- Installation of solar panels and battery systems: introduced at three sites in Barcelona, contributing to a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions.
- Water treatment system: sedimentation-based systems installed in car-wash areas to support appropriate water treatment and waste management.
- Reuse and recycling in the Spare Parts Department: Implementing waste management practices that prioritize proper sorting, collection, and circular use.
- Promotion of paperless operations: ID-authenticated printers to be introduced from 2025 to help reduce misprints and improve awareness.
- Annual health checks: conducted to support employee well-being and strengthen preventive healthcare.
- Monitoring of the gender pay gap: regular monitoring to maintain fair compensation practices and promote gender equality in the workplace.
- >Young Talent Program: providing internship opportunities in collaboration with more than 20 universities and technical schools.
- Disaster recovery support: supplying necessary materials and equipment for recovery efforts during the 2024 heavy rainfall (DANA) in eastern Spain.
◇Award comments
"We are truly honored to receive the Sustainability Award 2025 on behalf of M Automoción. This recognition reflects the commitment of our company along with our team, who continue to strengthen the initiatives aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Throughout the year, we have actively engaged in environmental and social initiatives, contributing positively to our community and workplace. This award motivates us to further expand our sustainability actions and remain fully committed to creating a positive impact in line with the values of our company and the UN SDGs."