The Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) is working together with medical device companies to accelerate the manufacture of ventilators, respirators and other important devices for hospitals to fight the spread of the coronavirus, the company stated.
The automaker said it is collaborating to produce 3-D printed face shields and mass production will start early next week. It is also looking for partners for filters to produce COVID-19 masks.
Toyota is finalizing agreements to start working with at least two companies that produce ventilators and respirators to help boost their capacity, it added.
The company stated it will keep conducting significant monetary donations to the United Way, food banks and other major non-profit organizations equipped towards helping those in need.
“Toyota’s core value has always been to contribute to society in meaningful ways beyond providing mobility for our consumers,” stated Ted Ogawa, incoming CEO, TMNA.
“With our plants idled and our dealers focused on servicing consumers, we are keen to contribute our expertise and know-how in order to help quickly bring to market the medical supplies and equipment needed to fight the coronavirus crisis. Our message to the medical equipment community is we are here to help, please utilize our expertise,” he said.
The automaker said Toyota Financial Services (TFS) and Lexus Financial Services (LFS) are offering payment relief options to consumers who are affected by COVID-19. Affected lease and finance consumers may be eligible to take benefit of finance contract payment extensions or lease deferred payments.
About 142,735 people in the US have been confirmed as being infected with the coronavirus. The virus has killed 2,489 people in the country.
