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Another First for Honda:  Company Becomes First International Automaker to Publicly Adopt a Political Activity Policy

When it comes to Honda “firsts,” it is natural to think of areas directly related to the automotive field, including safety innovations, environmental technologies, and manufacturing practices.  Honda recently expanded its “firsts” – this time into the field of politics – when it became the first international automaker to voluntarily disclose the adoption of a new policy governing the types of political activities in which the company and its associates can engage. The policy is made public as part of the automaker’s commitment to business transparency and open communication.

There are three main political activity areas covered by the policy: 

1. Candidates: Honda corporate resources – money, associate time while at work, or property – will not be used to support or oppose any candidate for public office at the local, state, or federal level, even where authorized by law. The policy also clarifies that dues paid to trade associations cannot be earmarked for supporting or opposing political candidates.

2. Ballot Initiatives: Honda companies may evaluate whether to support or oppose ballot initiatives on a case-by-case basis, taking into account six factors that range from consistency with Honda core values to the possible impact on Honda’s relationship with political leaders.

3. Political Conventions: Honda companies may evaluate whether to support federal or state political party conventions on a case-by-case basis using the same set of factors. If Honda decides to participate in one convention, the company will participate in the conventions of both major political parties.

The complete Political Activity Policy is available here http://csr.honda.com/what-we-believe/governance/hondas-political-activities-and-disclosure/