Responses to COVID-19 by the Automotive Sector: Key Actions Outlined

Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), addressed a press conference on April 10, representing four automobile manufacturers associations in Japan. The theme of the press conference was "how to face the COVID-19 pandemic as automotive industry."

Toyoda emphasized that the conference was about discussing thoughts for the future, not decisions already made. He announced a self-help initiative for the automotive industry in Japan to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020.

The automobile industry in Japan is planning to produce face masks for internal use among employees. The initial face masks will be used among themselves, with the aim of reducing the pressure on the supply chain for face masks. The first prototype face mask made using auto parts was too stiff, but improvements are being made.

The industry recognizes that automobiles and ventilators are products related to human life, and they understand the gravity of the task at hand. The automobile industry is aware of the expectations regarding the production of ventilators and understands the difficulty in producing such medical equipment.

The automobile industry is considering using their remote facilities for supporting the healthcare system in any small way they can. Among the companies, there are vacant dormitories and recreational facilities that can be prepared for around 1,500 rooms within the Toyota Group and around 3,000 rooms in total by JAMA, if needed. These facilities may be used for mildly infected patients, depending on the situation.

In addition, the industry plans to support increased production of ventilators by going where the medical equipment is being made and providing support in determining improvements in the production process and utilizing their know-how.

Toyoda expressed gratitude to healthcare workers, logistics, and transportation workers, as well as their families, for their diligent efforts during the pandemic. This expression of gratitude extends to workers worldwide, not just in Japan. He asked for continued support from the global automobile industry.

The associations involved are Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Japan Auto Parts Industries Association, Japan Auto-Body Industries Association, and Japan Automotive Machinery and Tool Manufacturers Association. Together, they aim to provide support in areas that they can control to help the situation.