Driving Sustainable Innovation: Tesla's Environmental CSR Strategy and Its Ripple Effect on the Automotive Industry Compared To Its Competitors

Abstract

This comprehensive study critically examines Tesla's environmental corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy and its transformative impact on the automotive industry's sustainability landscape. Through a rigorous mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of key performance metrics with qualitative assessment of strategic initiatives, the research provides an in-depth comparison of Tesla's environmental practices against major competitors such as BMW, Volkswagen, Hyundai-Kia, BYD, Ford, and General Motors. The study's findings reveal Tesla's pioneering role in setting new industry benchmarks across crucial areas including greenhouse gas emissions reduction, renewable energy integration, circular economy practices, and electric vehicle market penetration. While affirming Tesla's leadership position, the research also uncovers the rapid advancements of competitors, signaling an intensifying race towards sustainable mobility. The analysis further identifies critical challenges facing Tesla, such as ensuring supply chain sustainability and scaling battery recycling programs, alongside opportunities for innovation in areas like advanced battery technology and sustainability-driven business models. By providing a nuanced understanding of the interplay between environmental CSR strategies and industry transformation, this study offers valuable insights for stakeholders across the automotive sector, policymakers, and sustainability researchers, ultimately underscoring the crucial role of corporate environmental responsibility in accelerating the global transition to sustainable transportation.