Political Engagement

Approach

Our Government Relations team closely tracks public policy developments at the state and federal levels that directly affect Hitachi’s U.S. companies and communities. Drawing on our rich industry experience, we craft policy positions that reflect our singular vision for a more prosperous society. We responsibly communicate our opinions to key stakeholders so as to contribute to the public discourse and enrich the policymaking process.

We aim to shape policy outcomes, and we adhere to the strictest ethical standards. We are committed to carrying out our mission with the utmost integrity and transparency.

Engagement

To create a policy climate that generates jobs and produces novel technologies, we directly engage influential lawmakers in policy discussions and develop enduring relationships within the government. We share our story with public officials regardless of political affiliation, and our engagement strategy is dictated solely by company interests rather than the personal political preferences held by corporate leadership or the government affairs office.

Partnerships

We amplify our message through partner organizations, in policy forums supported by think tanks, and in government councils such as the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Investment Advisory Council (IAC). Through its representation on the IAC, Hitachi is able to advise the Secretary of Commerce on how to support and increase investment by foreign companies in the United States.

Through trade associations, we are able to access industry-specific analysis and organize industry-specific advocacy campaigns. Membership in a trade association does not suggest that Hitachi supports every policy position taken by an association or the issues they choose to elevate and take action on. Hitachi is a member of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the Global Business Alliance (GBA) and the Consumer Technology Association (CTA).

Political Contributions

While we carefully monitor political progress, Hitachi is politically neutral. In accordance with federal law, Hitachi does not contribute corporate funds to federal candidates, national political party committees, or political committees at either the state or local level. While employees are encouraged to be civically engaged, Hitachi does not have an employee-sponsored political action committee.

Hitachi pays membership fees and dues to trade associations, but we direct our U.S. trade associations to avoid using Hitachi’s corporate funds to make independent campaign expenditures or to contribute to local, state, or federal candidates.

Structure

Our Government Relations team is charged with advocating on behalf of all Hitachi business units in the United States, and we are responsible for ensuring that all policy-driven strategies align with our global interests. Our office reports directly to the Vice President and Executive Officer of Hitachi, Ltd.’s global Government & External Relations Group (GER), which is comprised of the Sustainability Promotion Division, the Industrial Policy Division, and the International Policy Division. The head of GER reports directly to the President & CEO of Hitachi, Ltd.

Lobbying Expenditures

Hitachi lawfully takes part in the policymaking process by communicating its positions on legislative and regulatory issues that will directly impact the company’s U.S. business. The Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) regulates lobbying activities, and Hitachi files quarterly disclosure reports with the Secretary of the Senate and Clerk of the House in keeping with LDA requirements. The disclosure reports detail all lobbying-related expenses, and we engage outside legal counsel to ensure that the reports are accurate and precise.

Hitachi’s recent reports can be found here.