Sustainable urban transport—the contested role of car manufacturers

Abstract

This paper describes how unsustainable urban transport is often linked to an unhealthy overdose of cars and road traffic. Due to the imperative of corporate social responsibility the car industry can no longer ignore this scapegoat role. This paper identifies two strategic options car manufacturers can espouse to tackle this challenge: (a) anticipating external developments and trends (corporate foresight) and (b) participating in policy making and agenda setting. While the first option aims at increasing economic objectives, i.e. preparing for changing market conditions, the latter can help achieve corporate responsibility objectives if based on principles of sustainable development. Drawing on selected examples of anticipating and participating activities of the automotive industry and their respective opportunities and limits, this paper will explore how these activities, if based on sustainable development principles, can help companies adopt a more favorable role and strengthen the cooperation of the public and private sectors in the quest for sustainable development.