Hållbarhetsrapport 2020 eng 1
Words from the CEO Sustainability issues are a ve
ry important area in Hedin Bil's efforts to take into account all the Group's interests throughout the organization. When we summarize 2020, it was a year of unexpected challenges and conditions for the whole world due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite all the challenges, our business has found the right focus, which has resulted in good results, streamlining and development of the business. The total market for new vehicles in Sweden decreased by -18%, in Norway by -0.7%, in Belgium by -21% and in Switzerland by -24%. At the same time, we can see that our total share of new Electric Vehicles (EV), such as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) sold increased to just over 40% compared to our total sales of new vehicles in 2020. If we look specifically at the brands that offered electric vehicles (EV) in their range during the year, the share of our sales rises to just under 50%, i.e., every other newly sold vehicle was an electric vehicle (EV). We also see that our local sales of electric vehicles (EV) exceed the respective market average for the share of new electric vehicles (EV) sold in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic also meant that our work travels decreased sharply, not least by air travel. This in turn accelerated our development of digital meetings and trainings, which for many meant a more efficient everyday life. Our long-term work on recycling waste and energy efficiency continues to generate savings. We continue to see significant savings for, for example, the plants that actively participate in our energy efficiency program. The result of our systematic environmental work is that we see a continued reduction in climate impact in relation to our total plant area. Despite this pandemic, our commitment to automotive engineering high schools and vocational schools has helped us to provide both a number of internships and apprenticeships at our facilities, and we have been able to employ just under one in five of these individuals at our operations. Staff turnover decreased in 2020 despite the fact that we were forced to lay off some employees due to the pandemic. This is likely due to a sharp change in labor market conditions, which created worry initially, but also that it has been particularly important for us as an employer to show commitment, sensitivity and willingness to cooperate in uncertain times. 2020 marked the milestone for 35 years in the industry and we have made a fantastic journey together with our employees. There is a lot of work behind the great result we have delivered under challenging circumstances, and I am both proud and grateful for those efforts. Our exciting journey continues, and I am convinced that it contributes to continued positive results in our sustainability work. I would like to express my personal thanks to all employees who have worked hard during the year with restrictions, changes, lockdowns and new challenges. Thanks! Anders Hedin Owner and CEO