The overwhelming spread of the coronavirus worldwide has alerted everyone not only individuals but as well as big companies to contribute in facing this global crisis. Countries all over the world have imposed their own rules and guidelines that people should follow to prevent further damage that the disease has caused.
Organizations around the world, such as Nestle, HP, Apple, and many more are coming together and finding innovative ways to minimize the impact on public health and to limit disruptions on economies and supply chains.
Among these big companies helping is the Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer- Toyota.
Toyota's Message
In an Instagram post by the official page of Toyota Motor Corporation, its President and CEO, Akio Toyoda urged everyone to do their part to combat coronavirus by following their respective governments.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by TOYOTA (@toyota) on Mar 26, 2020 at 4:36am PDT
View this post on InstagramA post shared by TOYOTA (@toyota) on Mar 26, 2020 at 4:36am PDT
Acknowledging people's anxiety of COVID-19's uncertainty, he reminded everyone to stay healthy and be positive because this pandemic like all others, shall pass. Toyoda ended his video message by saying, "together, there's nothing we can't overcome." Prompting everyone to cooperate and be part of the solution and not the problem.
His video was met by positive responses from netizens, complimenting Toyota's top executive for his concern not only to his employees but as well as to all the people around the world.
Toyota's Response to the COVID-19 Crisis
Toyota has previously announced that the company will temporarily suspend its production of all its automobile and component plants in North America, including Canada, Mexico, and the United States from March 23-24 resuming its operation on March 25.
But it was later on extended until April 17 and will resume its production on April 6 to protect the health and safety of its employees, key stakeholders, and communities. The company has also reported a significant decline in its sales due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moreover, to better serve the communities where the company is operating Toyota North America, Inc. and its partners across 13 states of America have donated $500,000 to the United Way to support those needing help especially with food, water, childcare, and other emergency relief needs.
Toyota is currently evaluating various options to continuously help and serve communities in addition to a number of its on-going "in-kind" donations made to local and non-profit organizations.
Incoming CEO of TMNA said in his statement that, "Toyota's core value has always been to contribute to society in meaningful ways beyond providing mobility for our customers."
The company has announced on Friday that it will reopen some of its idle factories to make face masks and fabricate face shields to help health care workers as they deal with the coronavirus crisis. Officials of the company also said that they are partnering with medical device manufacturers to speed the manufacture of ventilators, respirators and other vital equipment that hospitals will be needing.
The car manufacturer is planning to produce 3-D printed face shields and its mass production will begin early next week. They are also now looking for partners for filters in making face masks to be distributed in different hospitals. Toyota Production System Support Center (TSSC) is also offering its manufacturing and engineering knowledge to support companies in increasing their production for necessary medical supplies and equipment.
