In a world where sustainability has become more of an urgent need than an alternative, the way we move, both individually and as a business, plays a fundamental role in building a cleaner, fairer, and more efficient future. Responsible mobility is not limited solely to reducing emissions; it entails a cultural, educational, and structural transformation that affects all levels of society. This is how Ana María Sequeira, sustainability leader at Grupo Purdy Motor, put it during a conversation on the Costa Rica Convention Center podcast.
Sustainability doesn’t begin with grand speeches, but with everyday decisions like the way we drive.
With a track record spanning more than 15 years, Sequeira has led key processes to make Grupo Purdy a benchmark in sustainable mobility. What began as isolated philanthropic actions such as donations or volunteering events evolved into a deep integration of sustainability into the business strategy. This structural change was only possible thanks to the commitment of senior management, which from the beginning embraced an ambitious vision: to become the first automotive company in Costa Rica to achieve carbon neutrality.
The key, according to Sequeira, is to stop viewing sustainability as a task for the corresponding department and turn it into a cross-cutting focus that spans sales, auditing, operations, and all organizational levels. This transition has been gradual and has required an ongoing process of internal education. “When we started, we had 700 employees; today we have more than 2,000, and everyone must understand their role in this vision,” he notes.
Responsible mobility is not just an environmental goal: it is a commitment to safety, efficiency, and equity.
A fundamental part of this transformation has been education, both within and outside the company. The Purdy Drive program, for example, seeks to teach users the correct way to drive their vehicles, beyond simply learning how to operate them. It’s about changing habits, reducing emissions, and promoting safer and more efficient driving. “We encounter many inherited myths, such as putting the car in neutral on downhill slopes to save fuel, when in reality this can be counterproductive,” explains Sequeira.
However, the commitment doesn’t end at the company. One of the most important challenges has been understanding that sustainable mobility is a problematic issue. Therefore, Grupo Purdy led the first national study on safe mobility, compiling data from various institutions and making it available to the public as a tool for joint action. This initiative has served as the basis for new alliances between companies, media outlets, and public entities, demonstrating that collaborative work amplifies the impact of any individual effort.
When a company leads with purpose, it can transform habits, inspire alliances, and generate an impact beyond its sector.
Responsible mobility also requires a more inclusive approach. We share the roads with bicycles, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and public transport. To think that the road is only for private vehicles ignores the complexity of the environment. For this reason, Sequeira insists that road safety and sustainability must be approached from a comprehensive perspective, with each stakeholder assuming their part with responsibility and respect.
In conclusion, sustainability should not be an isolated goal, but rather a way of life and decision making. For business leaders, the first step begins by looking inward: how their employees travel, what risks they face on their journeys, and what solutions can be implemented within the organization itself. Because when a company commits to cleaner, safer, and more equitable mobility, it’s not just the business that wins; society and the planet win.
Commercial Manager of the Convention Center
Director of Corporate Relations and Sustainability at Grupo Purdy
