12:20 am, March 19, 2011
LEADING car manufacturers have announced their plans to help Japan following the earthquake and tsunami last week.
Hyundai Motor Group have said that they will donate 100 million yen (approximately $1.3m) to assist recovery efforts in the country.
The donation will be made to the Korean Red Cross and delivered to the Japanese Red Cross to purchase immediate needs like blankets, food, and water.
The group’s chairman, Mong-Koo Chung, has also sent condolence letters to Japanese business partners on March 14 including JFE Steel Corporation.
Hyundai has a history in providing support after natural disasters. The company provided moneytary support and emergency supplies to Iran and their earthquake in 1999, the 2004 tsunami disaster in Asia, the 2007 Greek forest fires, the 2009 and 2010 earthquakes in Haiti and Chile.
Nissan has also announced it will provide help to Japan. Nissan in Europe will donate $1m in cash and in-kind contributions to support earthquake relief efforts, while the firm’s global contributions will reach more than $3.75m.
The support ranges from donations, employee gift matching, and the provision of 50 vehicles.
Nissan has also revealed that although all of its plants in Japan, except for the Iwaki engine plant, have been able to repair damaged facilities and equipment, it is still taking time to arrange delivery of parts from our suppliers.
Joining their colleagues in helping out Japan is Renault. The company has said that it will now set up a special fund and will donate €500k.
Its employees will also be invited to donate and their contributions will be matched by the company. All the money raised will be handed over to the Red Cross, a charity with whom Renault is a partner.
‘I am deeply touched by the spontaneous support shown by Renault employees for their colleagues at Nissan and, more widely, for the Japanese people,’ said Carlos Ghosn, president of Renault and Nissan. ‘The solidarity shown today in this tragedy demonstrates the strong ties between our two companies. I hope that this aid from Renault will contribute to alleviating the difficulties of the Japanese people, whose calm and dignity in adversity compel our respect.’
