DJSI World and DJSI Europe are the most prestigious equity indexes and admission is limited to companies judged best-in-class in the sustainable management of their businesses. As such, they only include companies that are considered leaders from an economic as well as a social and environmental perspective. For 2010/2011, there has been a significant reduction in the number of companies admitted to the DJSI World Automobiles sector. In addition to Fiat, there are only two other constituents: BMW and Volkswagen.

The CEO of Fiat, Sergio Marchionne, made the following comment: "At Fiat we strive every day to find the right equilibrium point between economic logic and social and environmental responsibility to ensure we build something meaningful, better and long-lasting for all stakeholders. The confirmation of Fiat's inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes is an important recognition that spurs us to continue to improve our standards and maintain them at the highest level."

During 2009, the Group achieved significant results. On the environmental front, Fiat was recognised as the most eco-performing automaker in Europe, named as having the cars with the lowest CO2 emissions levels for both Fiat brand and the Group (source: Jato Dynamics). With the MultiAir system for gasoline engines and the MultiJet II for diesel engines, Fiat Powertrain Technologies confirmed its position as a pace-setter in the powertrain field with innovative technologies targeted at reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. This commitment continued in 2010 with the launch of the two-cylinder TwinAir that reduces CO2 emissions up to 30% over engines having the same performance. As of 2009, Iveco's entire range of medium and heavy trucks and commercial vehicles is compliant with the Enhanced Environmentally-friendly Vehicles (EEV) emissions standard, the strictest in Europe. CNH - Case New Holland completed development on the ABS SuperSteer™, the first application of ABS technology on tractors, that provides improved maneuverability and significantly enhanced safety, even on the steepest gradients. Magneti Marelli’s position as a leader in sustainable mobility was confirmed with major advances in telematic technologies, particularly in the area of infomobility. Centro Ricerche Fiat continued in its role as the Group’s center for scientific development, working intensely on various projects and international research platforms and filing 29 new patent applications during the year.

At the same time, the Group continued work to reduce the environmental impact of its production processes. As an example, Fiat Group Automobiles plants worldwide reduced CO2 emissions per vehicle produced by 12.6% over the previous year and water usage per vehicle produced by 9.7%.

With regard to social commitment, 2009 was a very intense year as a result of the impacts of the international crisis on the real economy. Fiat Group managed the effects of those difficult economic circumstances on employees with a profound sense of responsibility, even in the most critical situations. Investment to improve health and safety in the workplace continued and the indexes for the frequency of accidents and severity of accidents were both reduced over prior years.

The Fiat Group's concept of sustainability doesn’t stop at the front gate either. During the year, suppliers were also sensitized toward a more responsible management of their businesses through the dissemination of sustainability guidelines and an assessment of their level of conformity to those guidelines. Fiat strengthened its commitment to local communities, committing €21.8 million (+16% over the prior year) to support their economic, social and cultural development.