Jaguar has become one of the first car companies to issue a community relations report.
The document shows that Jaguar invested 2.3 per cent, or €804,000 (£490,000) of its pre-tax profit in community projects – more than double the recommended minimum of one per cent set by Business in the Community’s recent ‘millennium standard’.
It also lists a number of community initiatives by Jaguar, including its graduate challenge programme.
This was developed with help from Business in the Community and encourages the company’s graduate trainees to take part in projects such as re-decorating run-down schools and old people’s homes.
Jaguar is also developing four ‘education business partnerships’ attached to each of its four car plants to help teachers develop engineering-related courses for students.
When all four are open in 2001 they will be able to help a total of 400 teachers a year.
Jaguar supported more than 200 charitable organizations and charity projects last year and 70 local business partnerships or community groups, according to the report.