Social

Against the backdrop of global climate change and the momentum to achieve the SDGs, there is a search for a vision of mobility that will play a role in a sustainable society. To solve this challenge, technological innovation is being promoted in the CASE field (Connected, Autonomous, Service & Shared, Electric). Astemo is pursuing technological innovation in the CASE field with the MISSION of contributing to the realization of a sustainable society and enriched lives through the provision of world-leading, advanced mobility solutions.
In response to the three major trends of “Green,” “Safety,” and “Digitalization,” Astemo will provide environmental and social value through:
[Green]
Contribution to carbon neutrality and circular economy through efficient powertrains and innovative construction methods.
[Safety]
Contribution to zero traffic accidents through AD/ADAS and advanced chassis.
[Digitalization]
Contribution to mobility in the SDV era through vehicle architecture and IoV platforms.
For environmental value, we are working towards realizing a better global environment with highly efficient electrified products and technologies that reduce CO₂ emissions. Regarding social value, we are working to improve safety, comfort, and QoL through AD/ADAS and advanced chassis technology.
Through these initiatives, we will contribute to improving people's quality of life and our customers’ corporate value as a “global mobility solution provider that contributes to a sustainable society.”

In FY2023, the Intellectual Property Department continued to promote its activities from the perspective of intellectual property governance based on two codes of conduct: "Protecting our own intellectual property and respecting the intellectual property of other companies" and "Enhancing our own brand value." In April 2024, the Intellectual Property “Department” became the Intellectual Property “Group.” Under Astemo's newly formulated MISSION, VISION, and VALUES and the policy of the Technology Development Functional Division, which is the higher-level organization of the Intellectual Property Group, the Intellectual Property Group has set a policy of "using intellectual property to enhance corporate value and contribute to the growth of stakeholders." It has the following three missions.

• Ensuring freedom of business and design
• Utilizing intellectual property information
• Creating new value that contributes to society with intellectual property

We believe the source of these achievements lies in our human capital and high-quality inventions. Therefore, we provide education by preparing tools that enable a better understanding and expression of one's own inventions, including approaches to invention and methods for expanding inventions, and by providing lectures on how to use these tools. In the practical aspects of inventing, an officer of the Intellectual Property Group supports an inventor in differentiating the invention from prior art, leading to the filing of patent applications. Before filing, we hold an invention improvement meeting—attended by not only the inventor but also design and development experts—to improve the quality of the technology and invention from the perspective of synergy with related technologies and business, and to confirm whether the invention can contribute to the business. We also promote the utilization of intellectual property information for technology strategies, business strategies, and the creation of new value. With the introduction of a new information analysis tool in FY2024, we are accelerating and spreading this initiative.
By strengthening our intellectual property portfolio as a management resource, mainly consisting of patents and especially through the intellectual propertization of technologies that solve social issues and contribute to the environment, we provide support in becoming a company that is needed by customers.

Through mergers and acquisitions as well as inclusive hiring policies, Astemo has been attracting a diverse workforce, making it more essential than ever to promote the creation of an inclusive, diverse organization in which talented people can thrive. To propose innovative solutions to society and customers for a better mobile society, achieve global leadership positions, and to grow into a mega-supplier, it is important for every employee to view social issues as his or her own personal matter and to be a driving force in the midst of change. Astemo is committed to developing human capital who can embody these qualities.

Based on our business strategy, Astemo's vision is "to become an 'Employer of Choice' in the global marketplace by attracting human capital who are committed to contributing to society,” and to be an organization where they can thrive. To achieve this goal, we are promoting various measures under the four pillars of "People," "Mindset," "Organization," and "Foundation.“

Astemo is actively improving the environment and making efforts to not only enhance diversity, but also to increase the vitality of the organization by making use of our differences and demonstrating their strengths.

DE&I vision

Astemo creates and leverages an inclusive work environment,
one that embraces diversity and encourages
employees to respect and inspire each other.

The Astemo Group shares the “Astemo Group Health and Safety Policy” with all group companies worldwide, and the entire group is working together to create a safe, secure and healthy workplace free from accidents. In addition, based on the belief that “all workplace accidents can be prevented,” all Astemo Group employees share this belief and actively take actions to ensure their own safety and health, while also working to build a culture of mutual edification.

Astemo established the "Human Rights Policy" as one of the highest standards of internal regulations. This policy expresses respect for human rights as stated in the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work of the International Labour Organization (ILO^*1), which sets forth fundamental rights at work, including the International Bill of Human Rights^*2, the effective recognition of freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, the prohibition of all forms of forced labor, the effective abolition of child labor, and the elimination of discrimination in employment and occupation. In addition, it clearly stipulates the implementation of human rights due diligence (HRDD)^*3 based on the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights^*4 and appropriate training for employees, compliance with the laws and regulations of the countries and regions in which the Astemo Group operates, and the pursuit of methods to respect international human rights principles when there is a conflict between internationally recognized human rights and the laws of the countries and regions in which the Astemo Group operates.
Regarding children's rights, we strive to eliminate child labor and forced labor in our own operations and in our supply chain, and stipulate that we give due consideration to human rights, including the rights of children.

• *1

  ILO: International Labour Organization

• *2

  International Bill of Human RightsCollective name for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Covenants on Human Rights adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.

• *3

  Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD)Identifying and assessing negative business-related human rights impacts, implementing prevention and mitigation measures, and continuously verifying and disclosing the effectiveness of such measures.

• *4

  “Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights”The principles are contained in the "Report of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the Issue of Human Rights and Transnational Corporations and other Business Enterprises" published by John Ruggies in March 2011 (A/HRC/17/31).

At Astemo, we thoroughly instill the values of “basics and ethics” and "good and evil over profit and loss," with all employees sharing the idea of "quality and reliability first." In providing products and services, we aim to meet customer needs and specifications, as well as relevant laws and standards; and where necessary, set our own strict standards to ensure quality and safety. The Astemo Global Quality Manual also sets the principles of quality management, and we are promoting quality assurance enhancement activities from the perspectives of organization and management, technology, and human capital in all processes—from product planning and development to design, manufacturing, testing, delivery, and maintenance services. Furthermore, based on the idea that “prevention is the essence of quality assurance,” we are strengthening our activities to prevent defects from occurring, rather than merely preventing defects from occurring again.
Failures, thoroughly learning to develop technology. When a serious failure occurs, we thoroughly discuss not only the technical causes in the product, but also the process, organizational, and motivational causes that led to issue. In addition, we work to prevent recurrences, while improving product reliability and customer satisfaction.

In the event of a product defect, the department in charge will take the lead in promptly responding initiate immediate response to the problem. Serious problems are promptly reported to management, as well as each automaker, our direct customers, for which Astemo will concentrate in responding with expeditious and appropriate measures.
When it is determined that a product requires retroactive countermeasures, we will consult with our direct-customer automakers in the same way as for product defects and implement measures, such as repair or replacement, and report the matter to the
competent authorities as necessary.

Astemo regards social contribution activities as important for the sustainable development of society and business, promoting them mainly in the regions where it has business sites. We have established the materiality of “safety,” “environment” and “people (next-generation human capital development),” and are promoting activities in these three areas for the sustainable development with all stakeholders, including customers, partners, employees and local communities.

• Connections with local communities(safety)

  We are conducting fund-raising activities to support cancer treatment centers, support disaster-stricken areas including with donations (from providing land for building temporary housing, to collecting food and clothing and distributing to local governments), and providing sales support for products created at facilities for people with disabilities.
  To provide relief to those affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake and assist in the recovery of the affected areas, a total of 20 million yen was donated through the Japanese Red Cross Society and the Ishikawa Community Chest.

• Regional greening activities(environment)

  In each region where we have business bases, we are actively deepening exchanges with local communities, and are making initiatives to create abundant greenery in the future—such as ecosystem conservation, greening activities, and forest maintenance.

• Support for developing the next-generation of engineers (people)

  We are working to develop future engineers through implementing the Kids Engineer Development Project for elementary school students (Nagoya and Sendai), supplying products and technical training for high school teams participating in the Honda Eco Mileage Challenge,^* and supplying products and technical support for university student teams participating in Formula SAE Japan.

• JSAE^* Kids Engineer 2023

  Nagoya: Held the “Let's tour tourist spots in an automated vehicle” program

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  Sendai: Held “Can cars run on salt water? Let's make one and see if it works!” program

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• Japan Micom Car Rally 2023

  We supported a test course for high school students participating in the Japan Micom Car Rally 2023.

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• Support for Formula SAE Japan

  Providing in-person support as a consultative judge, brake products and company booth exhibitions

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  Using a Honda 4-stroke engine, this challenge calls on participants to explore the limitless possibilities of how many kilometers can be traveled with one liter of gasoline, and to compete with original ideas and technology. The cars in the competition drive a specified number of laps (distance) in a specified time, and fuel efficiency is calculated based on fuel consumption. The event is organized by Honda Motor Company, and in addition to high school, vocational school, and university student classes, a junior high school class has been newly established since 2005.

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  JSAE: Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan, Inc.