For
Local
Communities
Moving Forward Together with Local Communities
We expand and improve the functions of our stores, so they can be trusted infrastructure for local residents. As a company that shares local community desires that cars be used properly, we also contribute to safety and security in the daily lives of local residents.
Contributing to Local Communities through Our Stores
To be Infrastructure in Support of Local Residents
Installing EV Charging Stands
Electric vehicles (EVs), which do not emit CO2, are expected to play a significant role in fighting global warming. The AUTOBACS chain, therefore, is moving forward with the installation of EV charging stands in its store parking lots as a convenience for customers who visit our stores in an EV or plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV), and to promote the use of these vehicles. As of June 30, 2015, charging stands had been installed at 102 AUTOBACS stores.
Assisting People Stranded in a Disaster
The AUTOBACS chain, at stores where it is practical to do so, has entered into agreements with local governments to assist people who become stranded in a disaster. Under these agreements, stores will provide people taking shelter at their locations with access to water and toilet facilities, and will use maps, radios, and other means to provide information on road conditions. As of March 31, 2015, 320 stores in 21 prefectures were ready to provide the assistance mentioned above.
Selling Power from the Miki Megasolar Power Plant (Hyogo Prefecture)
In 2013, the Company began installing solar panels, on a portion of dormant property at the site of its Western Japan Logistics Center and on some of the roof space of the center itself, and selling the electricity generated. This is one example of how we effectively use our assets to promote the adoption of renewable energy.
Contributions to Local Communities
Pursuing Activities Rooted in Local Areas
In 2005, we began conducting cleanup activities in the area surrounding our headquarters, and, in the fiscal year ended March 2010, we instituted
AUTOBACS Day - one day each week when the employees of each store clean the area around the store before opening time. On another front, we use our ARTA Project, for promoting motor sports, as the context for the “Yume wo Kanaeru” (Make Your Dreams Come True) extracurricular programs we hold for elementary and junior high school students. These are only a couple examples of locally based, locally oriented activities we are pursuing to be good citizens of the communities where we are located.
junior high school ©GTA
Improving CSR Activities by Increasing Internal Understanding of CSR
At the Company, CSR activities have traditionally been pursued at the store and department level. Now, however, we are in the midst of a transition to activities that are developed by CSR project members and advanced across the breadth of our organization. Our CSR activities focus mainly on contributing to areas related to our business and to the communities where our stores and other business facilities are located. Looking ahead, though, we see the need for greater cosponsorship of activities and cooperation with external organizations. We also need to increase internal understanding of the importance of CSR and encourage as many employees as possible to participate in CSR activities.
Kanae Onishi General Affairs and Internal Control Department
Social Contribution Activities
Promoting the Development of Car Culture
Participating in Motor Races and Other Events for Children to Nurture a New Generation that Loves Cars
KidZania and the Marunouchi Kids Jamboree
The Company has developed the Car Life Support Center pavilions at the KidZania Tokyo and KidZania Koshien occupational theme parks for children. In 2014, both underwent renovations to deliver an even better experience. The purpose of these pavilions is to have children learn the enjoyment that can come from cars, encourage understanding of how cars work and car safety, and contribute to the development of a safe motorized society going forward.
For kids on summer vacation in 2014, we again participated in the Marunouchi Kids Jamboree, sponsored by Tokyo International Forum. Our aim in doing so was to communicate the joy of driving through a go-cart attraction for parents and children.
Support for Motor Sports
To help invigorate motor sports as a whole, the Company co-sponsors the SUPER GT series, Japan’s most popular car races. In addition, since the establishment of the ARTA Project (AUTOBACS RACINGTEAM AGURI) in 1998, we have been pursuing activities on multiple fronts, such as discovering and developing Japanese drivers into world-class competitors and participating in domestic and overseas races, to use the passion of racing to create new fans.
For the Environment and Society
Support for Children’s Environmental Education and People in Need of Food Assistance.
Co-Sponsorship of the Green Power Festival
The Company cosponsored the 2nd Green Power Festival, organized by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, to provide parents and children with a fun opportunity to learn about renewable energy and the environment. In the main event, parent-and-child teams, who were the winners of seven regional energy quiz tournaments held across Japan, competed ferociously to come out on top at the championship tournament held in January 2015. The Company supports the use of renewable energy and will continue to do so going forward.
Donation of Emergency Food Supplies
The Company has begun to donate emergency food supplies nearing the end of their “use-by” dates to Second Harvest, an NPO operating a food bank. The food we donate goes to support people who are in need of food assistance and organizations such as children’s homes. We have also begun to participate in the Kyukancho Project, which collects canned bread before it reaches its “use-by” date and distributes it internationally to people suffering from hunger and malnutrition.
