Climate change risk reporting in the annual reports of the European automobile industry

2nd Edition - Covering Reports 2007

Author: Dr. Axel Hesse

>> Download pdf file [650K]
 

Summary

This paper is a follow-up study that analyses and evaluates the audited parts of the management reports / annual reports 2007 of major European automobile companies. Main focus is the analysis and evaluation of appropriate reporting of climate change related risks and uncertainties. The annual reports were analysed with respect to whether they meet the requirements of the Directive 78/660/EEC and whether financial and non-financial key performance indicators relevant to particular businesses were included. It takes only into account the parts which were audited by accountants. 

The information provided by the annual reports was evaluated by the author with ratings from [1] (very useful for investors) to [6] (not useful at all for investors). 

The evaluation has shown that the information provided in the annual reports 2007 is still not sufficient for analysts and investors to fully evaluate the financial and non-financial risks and opportunities caused by climate change impacts on the automobile industry sector. The average quality of reporting increased by marginal 0.4 evaluation points in comparison to the 2006 reports. In comparison the results of this year's study indicate that German companies still report worst regarding the key performance indicator "fuel consumption", while PSA Peugeot Citroën and Renault again received the best ratings in comparison.