UNDERSTANDING OUR CODE
All of us work each day to ensure our Company’s success. Our Code is a tool to help guide us – so that we continue to make the right decisions and honour our commitment to working with integrity.
ABOUT OUR CODE
The work you do matters. It matters to people inside our Company, our stakeholders, the community – and most importantly, to the people who drive our cars. As a valued member of the European Mazda team, we count on you to make choices that preserve our reputation. Represent our Company and its spirit well – with enthusiasm, purpose and integrity.
WHAT IS IT?
Our Code of Conduct is an important resource to help you honour our promise to maintain the highest ethical standards. Though it may not provide an answer for every situation, it gives you the tools you need to do what’s right. Consult it often and seek help if you have questions or need additional guidance.
WHO DOES IT APPLY TO?
Our Code of Conduct applies to everyone working on behalf of One Mazda Europe, at every level, including:
- Employees
- Managers
- Directors and Officers
- Managing Directors
- Senior Management
- Consultants
- Representatives
We expect and encourage our contractors and their employees to act in a way that is consistent with our Code.
OUR CODE CAN HELP YOU:
- Work with integrity.
- Make sound decisions.
- Learn about our policies.
- Know where to go for help.
BRAKING POINT
Throughout the Code, you’ll notice this “Braking Point” feature, which highlights important points you need to know about various topics.
WHAT HAPPENS IF IT IS VIOLATED?
Actions that violate our Code, the law or our values can harm our reputation and our Company. Violations occur when a person does not follow our policies, asks someone else to violate our Code or engages in conduct that goes against our values.
Violations are something we take seriously. Anyone who violates our Code or our policies may be subject to disciplinary action, which could result in the termination of employment. Understand that any violation of the law may have additional consequences, such as criminal prosecution, jail time and fines.
UPDATES TO THE CODE
Laws, regulations and our policies change. When that happens, our Code has to change as well, which is why we update it periodically. Refer to the Code often so you can stay current on our policies and requirements.
OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
We count on you to honour your responsibility to:
- Read and understand the Code.
- Comply with the Code, the law and our policies.
- Use good judgement and avoid even the appearance of improper behavior.
- Seek guidance.
- Cooperate.
- Raise concerns without worrying about retaliation.
OUR MANAGERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
If you manage others, you have an even greater responsibility to:
- Promote our culture of ethics and compliance.
- Ensure that direct reports understand their responsibilities under the Code, the law and our policies.
- Set an example.
- Encourage employees to achieve great results, but never at the expense of noncompliance with the Code, the law and our policies.
- Listen and take action.
- Inquire about, report and prevent retaliation.
MAKING GOOD DECISIONS
While our Code may not have all the answers, it will give you the tools you need to exercise good judgement and make choices that reflect our values. You should refer to it often in your work and use it to help you in your decision-making.
What happens if you face a situation that’s not covered in our Code?
Ask yourself the following:
- Is it lawful? Is it ethical?
- Does it comply with our Code of Conduct and our policies?
- Would you feel comfortable if others knew about it?
- Is it in our Company’s best interest?
Did you answer “no” to any of these questions?
If so, then don’t do it.
Are you still unsure?
Seek help before acting.
SPEAKING UP
We all have a responsibility to protect our Company and its reputation. If you believe that our Code, the law, or our policies are being violated, speak up. There are several ways to share your concerns.
Mazda’s Speak-up process
You can report actual or suspected violations of our Code, the law, or our policies via our whistleblowing hotline - the Mazda Global Hotline online reporting tool. This channel can also be used to make anonymous reports.
The purpose of the Mazda Global Hotline is to make reports that are protected under the European Union Whistleblowing Directive and related national laws, as well as breaches of our high standards of integrity, as set out in this Code. Examples of protected reports include, but are not limited to:
- A possible criminal offence (such as theft, fraud, bribery, corruption, or financial malpractice)
- A failure to comply with a legal obligation
- Unauthorized use of assets
- Unauthorized use of sensitive or personal data
- A breach of network security or information systems
- A concern about product safety
- Damage to the environment
- A violation of employment standards or working practices
- Endangering an individual’s health and safety
- Suspected harassment or discrimination
- Other unethical conduct
- A deliberate attempt to conceal any of the above
The Mazda Global Hotline allows you to contact the responsible Mazda office via a web-based communication platform, exchange documents, and maintain a dialog via a secure mailbox. This system is confidential and secure. Whistleblowers can choose whether or not to disclose their name.
You may also raise your concerns with the members of the Mazda Ethics Committees or with your line manager.
How to access:
Report in confidence
Remember that no matter how you will choose to contact us, Mazda will address your report promptly and confidentially, and will handle it in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
No retaliation
Mazda is committed to protect whistleblowers in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The company will treat retaliation against whistleblowers and individuals who participate in investigations and assist the company in stopping misconduct as a serious disciplinary offence.
At the same time Mazda is committed to preserve the interests of incriminated persons. For them, the presumption of innocence applies as long as a violation is not proven. Consequently, an investigation will only be initiated if there is reasonable suspicion of a serious offence.
Failure to speak up and malicious reporting
Failing to speak up when you know or suspect misconduct or covering up someone else’s wrongdoing may result in disciplinary actions. Likewise, any malicious allegations will not be tolerated and will be disciplined accordingly. Of course, no one is obliged to incriminate themselves.
More information about our Speak-up process and resources available to you, as well as details about the investigation process and our commitment to non-retaliation can be found in our policies.
External reporting
The EU and national law recognise that it may be appropriate for employees to report their concerns to an external body such as a regulator. Specifics regarding external reporting according to the European Union Whistleblowing Directive and related national laws can be found on the websites of the corresponding institutions.
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