Toyota Caucasus has strong ethical responsibilities, Irakli Lekishvili, Director of Toyota Caucasus told The FINANCIAL Company’s’ commitment to responsible and ethical conduct extends to product safety, corporate governance, employee well-being, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. In the interview with TF, Mr. Lekishvili reviewed the main CSR goals of Toyota in Georgia and explained Toyota Caucasus’ crucial role in contributing to Georgia’s zero emissions and environmental challenges.
Q. What is the Toyota environmental challenge 2050?
A. As you may already be well aware The Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 is a comprehensive initiative by Toyota Motor Corporation to address environmental issues. It focuses on six key areas: carbon, water, materials, biodiversity, outreach, and regional challenges. Toyota aims to achieve zero emissions throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle, promote efficient water use, develop recycling technologies, preserve biodiversity, collaborate with stakeholders, and address local environmental concerns. This challenge reflects Toyota’s commitment to sustainable mobility and its efforts to contribute to a sustainable society and combat climate change.
Q. What are the ethical responsibilities of Toyota?
A. Toyota acknowledges its ethical responsibilities to various stakeholders, including customers, employees, shareholders, communities, and the environment. These responsibilities encompass ensuring safe and reliable vehicles, maintaining strong corporate governance and transparency, prioritizing employee welfare, promoting sustainable business practices, and engaging in corporate social responsibility initiatives. Toyota’s commitment to responsible and ethical conduct extends to product safety, corporate governance, employee well-being, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.
Q. What are the main CSR goals of Toyota in Georgia?
A. Toyota in Georgia has several key Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals. Firstly, the company is committed to environmental sustainability by promoting sustainable practices, reducing its carbon footprint, conserving natural resources, and minimizing environmental impact. Toyota also strives for ethical business practices, conducting business with integrity, transparency, and ethical behavior. Employee well-being is another priority, with a focus on employee health, safety, and well-being, fostering diversity and inclusion, and supporting work-life balance. In terms of corporate governance, Toyota aims to establish strong governance practices, ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Additionally, the company has launched the “Start Your Impossible” global campaign, reflecting the Olympic and Paralympic spirit of encouragement, challenge, and progress. These CSR goals of Toyota in Georgia align with its broader vision of creating positive societal impact through sustainable practices, ethical conduct, employee support, responsible governance, and inspiring social change.
Q. Is Georgia prepared for Zero Emissions goal and how Toyota contributes to this challenge?
A. As the country strives towards achieving zero emissions goals, Georgia has made significant progress in embracing sustainable practices and transitioning towards a low-carbon future. However, there is still work to be done to fully realize this goal. Toyota plays a crucial role in contributing to Georgia’s zero emissions challenge through its commitment to sustainable mobility solutions. The company actively promotes the adoption of hybrid electrical technologies, offering a range of eco-friendly options to Georgian consumers.
Q.Provide us with the overview of the hybrid and electrified technologies cars market in Georgia, as well as the share of Toyota in it.
A. The hybrid and electrified technologies cars market in Georgia has witnessed significant growth since its introduction in 2016. Toyota, as a pioneer in hybrid technology, holds a prominent share in this market. Hybrid vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry Hybrid, have gained popularity due to their eco-friendly nature and efficient fuel consumption. Toyota’s commitment to hybrid technology has not only positioned the company as a leader in the market but has also contributed to environmental sustainability. The introduction of hybrid cars in Georgia has been well-received, with positive feedback from consumers and a growing demand for these vehicles. The market’s response indicates a heightened awareness and interest in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation options. Toyota’s hybrid models, renowned for their reliability and fuel efficiency, have played a significant role in shaping this positive perception. As Georgia’s hybrid and electrified technologies cars market continues to expand, it is expected to witness further growth. Toyota’s dominant presence in the market positions the company as a key player in driving the adoption of hybrid technology in the country. With its ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainable mobility, Toyota is well-positioned to continue leading the market and contributing to the environmental goals of Georgia.
Q. How can Toyota improve air quality?
A. Toyota can contribute to improving air quality through several key strategies and initiatives. Firstly, the company can continue investing in the development and production of hybrid and electric vehicles. By expanding the availability and affordability of these eco-friendly vehicles, Toyota can help reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants associated with conventional gasoline-powered vehicles. Secondly, Toyota can advocate for the adoption of stricter emissions standards and regulations, both at the national and international levels, to encourage the use of cleaner technologies and discourage the use of highly polluting vehicles. Additionally, Toyota can promote sustainable manufacturing practices by implementing energy-efficient processes, reducing waste, and minimizing emissions in its production facilities. Moreover, the company can support research and development efforts to improve battery technologies, charging infrastructure, and hydrogen fuel cell systems, thus enabling more widespread adoption of zero-emission vehicles.
Q.Toyota uses Georgian port to deliver Toyota cars to local Azerbaijan and Armenian market. Can you please evaluate the current condition of cargo services provided to Toyota and how they can be improved?
A. The current condition of cargo services provided to Toyota at the Georgian port presents some infrastructural challenges that can be improved upon. The unavailability of a deep-sea port and queue problems in customs are crucial aspects to consider for enhancing the efficiency of Toyota’s car delivery operations. To address these issues, it is essential to focus on improving the infrastructure surrounding the port. This could involve expanding and upgrading the port facilities, including the construction of a deep-sea port that can accommodate larger vessels. Furthermore, streamlining customs procedures and investing in advanced technologies for efficient clearance processes can help alleviate queue problems and reduce delays. By addressing these infrastructural obstacles, Toyota can enhance the cargo services provided through the Georgian port, ensuring smoother and more timely deliveries to both the local and Azerbaijan markets.
Q. New Toyota CEO recently said the company remains committed to hydrogen and hybrids despite recent shift to electric vehicles. Please explain current priorities of Toyota in this regard.
A. Toyota remains committed to hydrogen and hybrid vehicles, alongside the recent shift towards electric vehicles. The company’s current priorities include investing in fuel cell vehicles and infrastructure for hydrogen, promoting hydrogen as a clean energy source, and refining and expanding their hybrid vehicle lineup. Toyota aims to provide customers with a diverse range of sustainable mobility options, reflecting their long-term vision for a greener future.
Q. What is the share of Toyota hybrid in total sales of Georgia?
A. In the automotive market of Georgia, Toyota hybrid vehicles capture a considerable share of approximately 22% of company’s total sales. While the overall market share for Toyota stands at an impressive 30%, the specific segment of hybrid vehicles contributes significantly to their success. Hybrid cars account for one out of every five cars sold. This demonstrates the growing popularity and demand for Toyota hybrid models among consumers in Georgia, as they embrace more environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient options. With a strong market position and a notable portion of hybrid sales, Toyota continues to make strides in promoting sustainable mobility solutions in the region.
Q And finally, how can the raising popularity of Tesla influence Toyotas sales?
A. It is true that tesla popularity is rising however, Toyota’s strong reputation for quality, reliability, and diverse product portfolio, with this concept of offering right products at the right time, including hybrid vehicles, positions the company well to adapt to evolving market demands. Toyota’s commitment to innovation and sustainable mobility, encompassing hybrid and hydrogen technologies in addition to electric vehicles, ensures the company remains competitive in the changing automotive landscape.
