Toyota Makes Impressive Strides in Community Efforts
North American facilities of Lexus’ parent company will be utilized to support efforts to combat global crisis.
As a result of the pandemic, Lexus‘ parent company Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) continues to assist those in need with essential supplies, emergency relief and is providing on-going support to many local organizations and non-profits. These efforts include monetary, “in-kind” donations, plus utilizing several of the company’s North American facilities to fabricate face shields while collaborating with medical device companies to speed the manufacture of ventilators, respirators and other vital devices for hospitals.
“Toyota’s core value has always been to contribute to society in meaningful ways beyond providing mobility for our customers,” said Ted Ogawa, incoming CEO, TMNA. “With our plants idled and our dealers focused on servicing customers, we are eager to contribute our expertise and know-how in order to help quickly bring to market the medical supplies and equipment needed to combat the COVID crisis. Our message to the medical equipment community is we are here to help, please utilize our expertise.”
The company has also taken several actions to help communities across North America, including:
- Face Shields and Masks: Working to produce 3-D printed face shields.
- Ventilators/Respirators: Finalizing agreements to begin working with at least two companies that produce ventilators and respirators to help increase their capacity.
- Toyota Production System Support Center: Offering manufacturing/engineering know-how support to companies to increase their capacity for necessary medical supplies and equipment and will continue to be available to them.
- Customer Financing: Toyota Financial Services (TFS) and Lexus Financial Services (LFS) are providing payment relief options to customers.
- Advertising: Toyota brand pulled its March sales event advertising and started running a new national ad campaign with an optimistic message to let our customers know that at Toyota, “We’re here for you.”
Lexus also will release its own advertising this week to reassure luxury customers that we put, “People First.” - Donation of Supplies: Toyota has made significant donations to hospitals, emergency management teams, and first responders.
- Community and Business Partner Groups: Continue to make significant monetary donations to the United Way, food banks and other key non-profit organizations geared towards helping those in need.
