Sustainability principles are implemented by businesses that want to remain in the long run, such as reducing the adverse effects on the environment, society, and the economy. The automotive industry values sustainability as it walks the fine line between becoming a good corporate citizen and turning a profit. Contrary to the sole emphasis on financial performance, the performance of socially, environmentally, and ethically responsible businesses is based on business decision-making based on ethical considerations that aim to ensure that organizations address business problems without sacrificing moral principles. Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are among the famous automobile firms, and this article details their sustainability practices, ethics, and corporate responsibility and issues. The automotive industry has quite a few sustainability challenges such as environmental impact, regulatory compliance, and ethical business practices. For example, the Dieselgate scandal at Volkswagen displayed the consequences of companies behaving unethically, and the consequences of companies trying to fool both their regulators and their customers. Likewise, greenwashing allegations have scrutinized the sustainability offerings of major manufacturers. Both BMW and Mercedes-Benz have taken some fire for their eco-friendly pledges, but both are ardent supporters of electric vehicle research. All these dilemmas illustrate how tough it can be for companies to deliver on their stakeholders' expectations while remaining creative, transparent, and sustainable. Businesses can be examined in relation to the ethical theories and frameworks and how they apply to decision-making involved in the sustainability discussion. This study examines vital ethical concepts such as stakeholder concept and company social responsibility (CSR) to see how closely these auto firms adhere to ethical standards. Business plans and long-term planning are also influenced by the legal frameworks and corporate governance that shape the industry's attitude to sustainability. Automakers are leading the way in corporate sustainability initiatives. As globalization allows more players to enter the global market, businesses finding themselves in an even more competitive market are urged to be more innovative and flexible when it comes to external pressure for environmental compliance. Improvements in technology, especially in electric mobility and alternative energy, are changing the business environment. They have faced political and regulatory demands to invest in greener technologies to meet tighter emissions standards. Growing stakeholder expectations and changing consumer preferences are raising the bar on corporate moral performance. These findings align with the foundational themes of the course, notably those of Week 2 (Ethical Theories) and Week 1 (Drivers of Change). Through the analysis of these environmental issues and ethical challenges faced by firms like Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, this research sheds light on the changing landscape of corporate responsibility inside the automotive industry.
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When the possible contributions of ethical issues confronting businesses are adequately analysed, they can significantly influence the future planning process. It is the creation of long-term business plans, particularly in certain industries such as the automotive industry that have major social and environmental implications. CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and Sustainability and Responsible Business have become integral parts of the business strategy of many major corporations. The approach influences their long-term performance by taking social, environmental, and ethical issues into consideration in their business strategies. Ethical business practices are important to these companies' credibility, client loyalty, and ability to remain compliant with the law (Martinho et al., 2021). Examples of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the automobile sector are sustainable processes, community development, and controlling carbon footprints. Some recent scandals and corporate criminal behaviour, like the Volkswagen emissions crisis, as stains on the record of achievements by these companies to cast doubt on the credibility of their CSR achieving promises. Due to the complexity of a company's economic, social, and environmental obligations, the automotive industry is a natural match for the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) paradigm (Zhang et al., 2021). Profit positioning while remaining ethical is a much-acclaimed market resource that ensures economic viability. Its social responsibility encompasses involvement in community-led initiatives, powering diverse workforces, and practicing ethical labour. Understanding that they are in great demand, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz the best way to define their deep concern for environmental issues is that they invested huge amounts of resources in electric vehicle research and development, energy carbon neutrality, and the use of renewable energy sources (Sundarrajan and Krishnan, 2023). If these efforts make an impact on sustainability, we still have a long way to go to eliminate internal combustion engines completely and lessen the environmental impact of battery production. Green HR practices have opportunities to transform in such areas in the ethical landscape of the automotive industry like procedures of employment, managing supply chain, etc. Because Volkswagen, runs on "Far future" plans in their Human Resources department. These plans include programs for the health and happiness of employees and policies to promote diversity and inclusion. Green HR relies on supply chains to guarantee that minerals such as lithium and cobalt, which help to power electric vehicle batteries, are sourced ethically. However, concerns about conditions in mining work remain, and more ethical oversight is necessary. It is noteworthy for big companies in the automotive sector, e.g., BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen, that their CSR, TBL, and green human resources policies must be compatible with the changing ethical expectations of society (Patel, 2024). Their long-term success and their reputations as responsible firms in our interconnected world will depend not on their pure profit margin but on how well they fulfil social and environmental responsibilities as well.

Figure 1: Triple Bottom Line Theory
Businesses use ethical theories as a framework for making complex decisions that, overall, make sure that they are good corporate citizens. These moral factors include sustainability, safety of customers, and adherence to authorities and their laws, all of which are extremely significant to Sustainability and Responsible Business strategy and corporate conduct in the automotive world. Automakers focused on cause content and their bottom line, must consider what's good for corporate citizenry, a sort of utilitarian ethic that builds corporate benefits against public harm. Let's at least be sure that is comparing like to like when we have this debate, trying to drive improvements in electric mobility, the now much-touted fuel efficiency is good things for society in the end, but corporate scandals around emissions and so forth prove though how corporates then put themselves at risk of being liable using their profit makers in all single measures when profits come first, that becomes a risk for their reputation (Fobelovâ and Forgon, 2023). The profit motive is no excuse for business interest to disregard public safety and health. Since deontology is based on duty, car companies comply with all relevant local, state, and federal laws. These can include complying with safety regulations, being honest about vehicle emissions data, and adhering to environmental laws. This violative act is in direct opposition to what is considered "Deontological" whereby doing the right thing in moral terms is more important than baptism by profits, dictates corporate compliance, a conviction for a morally superior process of emissions by corporations, and an emphasis on corporate responsibility (Doan, 2024). The virtue ethics framework focuses on the development of an ethical culture in business as it stresses the importance of accountability of leadership as well as that of corporate integrity. The vehicle industry can do this by leading the way in sustainability, as evidenced by efforts to make carbon-neutral manufacturing, ethical supplier chains, and renewable energy the norm. But it is by no means easy to make sure that these commitments are not a bunch of empty words but are woven into the company at all levels. In a fair and just world, businesses deal with their customers, workers, suppliers, and investors decently. Supply chain management ethics challenges mostly emerge from the raw material acquisition phase, notably for materials in electric vehicle batteries including cobalt and lithium (White et al., 2024). If the sector is to remain equitable, ethical sourcing and decent working conditions must be continually monitored. Principles of rights-based ethics cover consumer and environmental rights, responsible waste disposal, advertising transparency, and car safety. This is a relativist response, and, in fact, different cultures and regulatory frameworks develop ethical standards particular to the geography in which they are found. There already exist differing opinions between professionals and the government body that oversees the profession, and this is an essential part of the long-term credibility and sustainability of the sector, a common code of ethics needs to be maintained. Thereby, these ethical concepts can improve the automobile industry to enhance responsible, sustainable, and customer-centric business practices.
In the automobile business, these parameters are critical for establishing ethical corporate structures that balance the interests of employees, consumers, investors, the government, and the community. Businesses are prioritizing these interests while profit generation is still taking place. Invest in employees and look after their safety and welfare. Millions of people depend on car manufacturing companies to make vehicles that are broken and bad for the environment. Maximum investors are seen as wanting ethical leadership and transparent communication to help ensure a company's financial status (Esposito et al., 2025). Regulators set the rules on safety, emissions, and the environment, and businesses are expected to follow those rules. In return, communities expect businesses to do good work when it comes to hiring local workers, contributing money to the community, taking care of the environment, and so on.
Such unethical behaviour can have disastrous ramifications, such as breaching environmental rules or engaging in misleading advertising. In the car business, these kinds of errors can translate into tarnished images, fines, and customer distrust. For instance, the emissions scandal was extremely damaging to Volkswagen’s credibility and since then, customer trust and the company´s financial line also suffered (Valentinov and Chia, 2022). The company itself faced threats to its continued operation, including legal action, fines, and a drop in market share. Since they are directly correlated with a company's long-term profitability and standing in the very highly competitive automobile marketplace, it is a matter of utmost importance for car companies to follow ethical business practices. Stakeholder’s interests, if not maintained can end up in severe consequences.

Figure 2: Stakeholder Theory
The automotive sector has faced mounting political and regulatory pressure for some time, helps to corporate scandals and an increasing interest in sustainability. Stricter emissions regulations and sustainability standards stem from a global increase in demand for environmentally friendly manufacturing practices for both consumer goods and vehicles. One of the more famous of these most likely be the VW emissions scandal, which highlighted the need for better regulatory frameworks to ensure that environmental standards are upheld (Cekerevac, 2025). Governments have put forward stricter emissions standards to hold carmakers accountable for the environmental impact of their products. Such limitations include more rigorous testing processes and lower limits on carbon emissions. Organizations like the European Union or the United Nations make it significantly easier for companies in the automotive world to create environmentally friendly practices. The areas of the car industry that European climate policies like the "Green Deal" and "Fit for 55" are targeting have to do with carbon emissions and increases in renewable energy usage. Because regulators mandate the use of such technology, they are forcing businesses to invest more heavily in green. Amongst these are electric cars (EVs) and processes that implement renewable energy into manufacturing (Lee et al., 2022). To avoid getting into hot water with regulators and to preserve their brand names from potential disasters, businesses must ensure their operations are in alignment with Sustainability and Responsible Business and global sustainability goals.
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Figure 3: Fit for 55

Figure 4: VW Group Revenue
A worldwide leader in the automotive industry, BMW has been known to prioritize sustainability. The ambition of the corporation to reach carbon neutrality in 2050 is a response to the increasing need for energy sources that produce fewer emissions. BMWs sustainability strategy is based on the concepts of circular economy. These principles focus on the use of renewable energy sources and recyclable materials throughout the manufacturing process. BMW is making efforts towards reducing its carbon footprint and this includes making commitments to the use of sustainable materials (Gomez, 2024). In addition, owing to the heavy investment in electric mobility, the company has been producing hybrid and electric vehicles for eco-friendly transportation as well as combatting pollution. All these activities are part of BMW's larger strategy to reduce the impact its business has on the environment, while also trying to get other automakers to follow suit.

Figure 5: BMW and Its Sustainable Transformation Plan
Mercedes-Benz has entered a major foray into sustainable development with the Ambition 2039 Strategy. It also aims to produce cars that produce no greenhouse gas by 2039. These plans adhere to the growing demand for sustainability within the automotive sector. The company aims to shift towards electric mobility, eliminating internal combustion engines and focusing on battery technologies. It is also making a strong priority of green energy in its production procedures to limit its ecological footprint (Berezina, 2024). Renewable energy sources, carbon emissions-free supply chains, and the tenets of the circular economy are key components of Mercedes-Benz's approach to sustainable innovation. The company's dedication to responsible production is manifested in its long-term sustainability efforts that are integrated throughout the business strategy.

Figure 6: Ambition 2039
Conclusion and Future Implications
The Dieselgate scandal at Volkswagen further says plenty about the severe risks of greenwashing and, more generally, the corporate economy. This demand for greener technologies, and the widespread acceptance of electric vehicles and alternative renewable fuels, are the most noticeable signs of moving to sustainability. With tougher pollution regulations, governments around the world are increasingly demanding that car manufacturers integrate sustainability standards throughout the production process. At the same time, consumers are expecting businesses to show up true and fair. If companies cannot deliver these promises they risk becoming irrelevant. Those businesses concerned about staying competitive in the modern economy and acting with goodness toward society must think in SDGs. If authorities do not crack down, companies will not stop their unethical behaviour in the future, either. In modern-day socially conscious markets, companies that listen to their audience and act on ethical decision-making and environmental responsibility will prevail.
References
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