Mercedes-Benz USA Unveils 2024 Driving Your Future CSR Impact Report
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has released its third annual 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Impact Report, reinforcing its unwavering dedication to Driving Your Future, the company’s initiative focused on empowering the next generation across communities nationwide. Since its inception in 2022, Driving Your Future has aimed to provide critical resources and opportunities to support young individuals in education, career development, safety awareness, and environmental sustainability. Through various outreach programs, MBUSA employees and dealers actively engage in volunteer efforts and community initiatives to make a meaningful impact.
The latest report details significant milestones achieved in 2024 through MBUSA’s longstanding partnerships with mission-driven nonprofit organizations, including Safe Kids Worldwide and Junior Achievement USA. These efforts align with the company’s broader commitment to fostering positive change in society.
A Commitment to Community Empowerment
Mercedes-Benz USA’s CSR efforts are rooted in a vision to make a lasting impact on future generations. By equipping young individuals with necessary tools and knowledge, the company aims to drive meaningful change beyond the automotive industry. MBUSA President and CEO Dimitris Psillakis expressed his pride in the program’s continued progress:
“At Mercedes-Benz, we are driven by a purpose beyond the cars we build. We believe in driving meaningful change by investing in the future of our communities. I’m humbled by the incredible progress we have made through Driving Your Future, and I am grateful for the dedication of our employees who have continued to embody the values of Mercedes-Benz.”
The 2024 CSR Impact Report showcases significant strides made in three core areas: Safety and Injury Prevention, Education and Career Readiness, and Community Giveback.
1. Safety and Injury Prevention: Educating the Next Generation
MBUSA has continued its partnership with Safe Kids Worldwide, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing childhood injuries. Recognizing the importance of road safety education, MBUSA collaborated with Scholastic to launch a new children’s book titled Clifford Takes a Ride. This engaging story aims to educate children and caregivers about essential passenger and pedestrian safety practices.
The book release was complemented by a multi-city tour, bringing safety education directly to communities across the country. The initiative proved to be a resounding success, reaching thousands of families and reinforcing life-saving safety habits.
Key Achievements in Safety and Injury Prevention:
- Over 1,000 children participated in the book tour’s interactive safety programming, gaining critical knowledge on pedestrian and passenger safety.
- A total of 30,000 copies of Clifford Takes a Ride were distributed nationwide, ensuring broader accessibility to safety education.
- The initiative provided families with real-world applications of safety principles, empowering them to create safer environments for their children.
A representative from Safe Kids Worldwide expressed appreciation for MBUSA’s ongoing support:
“We are proud to work alongside Mercedes-Benz year after year to bring lifesaving education programming and resources to families across the country. Their support has been instrumental in our efforts to reduce preventable injuries and create a safer future for all children.”
2. Supporting Education and Career Readiness: Preparing Youth for the Future
Education is a cornerstone of MBUSA’s CSR efforts, and through its continued partnership with Junior Achievement USA (JA USA), the company has played a crucial role in equipping young students with the necessary skills for their futures. JA USA focuses on providing students with financial literacy education, workforce readiness training, and mentorship opportunities.
Notable Educational Impact in 2024:
- MBUSA supported over 17,000 students through JA USA programs, helping them gain critical life and career skills.
- The involvement of MBUSA employees as mentors and educators contributed to a 26% increase in graduation rates among participating students.
- College enrollment rates saw a 29.2% rise among students engaged in MBUSA-sponsored initiatives, demonstrating the tangible success of the program.
Through hands-on learning experiences and mentorship programs, students gained insights into career pathways, financial decision-making, and professional development, setting them up for long-term success.
3. Building a Culture of Community Giveback
MBUSA’s corporate social responsibility initiatives extend beyond education and safety; they also emphasize the importance of community engagement. Employees at MBUSA are deeply involved in giving back to their communities, dedicating thousands of hours to volunteer work and philanthropic initiatives.
In 2024 alone:
- MBUSA employees collectively volunteered over 6,800 hours at more than 100 community events.
- Employees uplifted young patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, offering comfort and companionship during hospital stays.
- The company provided essential items to children in foster care across Georgia and Alabama, ensuring they had necessary supplies and resources.
- MBUSA volunteers built over 100 pieces of furniture for the Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta, helping families in need furnish their homes.
- Employees constructed more than 150 Little Free Libraries across 60 cities, fostering literacy and providing communities with free access to books.
These initiatives reflect MBUSA’s commitment to fostering a culture of giving, ensuring that employees actively participate in creating positive change.
