Oil companies in disguise: Carmakers are a ‘ticking carbon bomb’ for investors

Asset managers are faced with the double challenge of decarbonising their portfolios and mainstreaming sustainability frameworks, such as the environment, social, and corporate governance rating, ESG. But do they have the right tools?

In 2023, the EU will introduce a requirement that financial institutions disclose their scope 3 emissions (indirect emissions). The new requirement will hit asset managers with exposure to carmakers hard. Unlike manufacturers of furniture or mobile phones, the vast majority (98%) of a car company’s emissions come under scope 3 – primarily the use of the cars.

The report finds that not only are carmakers’ official emissions set to explode, but that carmakers are significantly underreporting their Scope 3 emissions in what could represent another scandal for the industry.