Title: Green promises or real change? ESG disclosures in the automobile industry

Authors: Melody Yousefian; Natalia Cohen

Addresses: Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada ' Facultad de Ciencias Económicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina

Abstract: There is a global trend toward ESG reporting and ESG risk ratings as mechanisms for evaluating corporate sustainability performance. This study explores the relationship between ESG disclosures, ESG risk ratings, and documented corporate controversies through a qualitative assessment of Porsche AG in the automobile industry. The literature review executed through a scoping review of 54 studies reveals trends in ESG accounting research where one central topic focuses on risk and its disclosures, specified by industry or region. We perform a qualitative analysis to understand whether ESG risk scores align with the company's results and impacts. The findings reveal tensions between reported sustainability initiatives, ESG ratings, and documented social and environmental impacts, raising questions regarding the extent to which ESG accounting frameworks translate into measurable sustainability outcomes.

Keywords: ESG accounting; sustainability reporting; auto industry; ESG Risk rating; corporate governance; environmental and social impact.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEA.2026.155815

International Journal of Economics and Accounting, 2026 Vol.12 No.3, pp.251 - 282

Received: 29 Jan 2025
Accepted: 06 Jun 2026
Published online: 14 Aug 2026 *

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