Carmaker strives to be model corporate citizen

Giving back to the society it Mercedes-Benz operates in has been a vital part of the corporate strategy from the very start of the company's existence.
Over the last four years Mercedes-Benz China's public relations department has created a series of enduring corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, making it a role model of many corporations, according to Wang Yan, vice-president of media communications &public relations of Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd.
Wang said the Mercedes-Benz Star Fund, with an initial funding of 30 million yuan, is the automaker's largest startup for a charity fund worldwide, as well as one of the largest startup charity funds in China's auto industry.
With the slogan of "Nurturing the World of Tomorrow", the Star Fund shows the automaker's long-term commitment to social causes in the nation.
The five CSR pillars -funding for environmental protection, education support, music, arts and sports development, charity and disaster relief programs, and the culture of driving - are now fully established and growing in strength with a range of programs.
"The ongoing pursuit of social responsible initiatives is a long-term commission for Mercedes-Benz," said Wang. "Our enduring efforts will further solidify our leading position in the premium auto segment."
The Green Legacy Program, under the environmental protection pillar and in partnership with UNESCO, is one of the flagship programs to enable partner companies, employees, clients, media, and the public to efficiently work together to protect World Heritage sites, as well as promote public awareness of environmental issues.
Wang said another very successful program is the "Inspiring the Future Hope Happy Music Classroom" that provides music education to more than 40,000 students in 125 Hope Schools nationwide.
Supporting music and arts has also been a major part of the company's overall CRS plan. It has forged a strategic partnership with the National Center for the Performing Arts to sponsor the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai.
In sports, Mercedes-Benz introduced the "Swing for the Stars" Junior Tennis Development Program to cultivate young tennis talent.